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Posted: April 17, 2023

Impaired driver stopped by spike belt

On April 14, at approximately 5:56 p.m., Elk Valley RCMP was notified of a red pickup pulling a travel trailer travelling eastbound driving erratically on Highway 3 near Jaffray. Two reports from the Cranbrook area gave evidence of dangerous driving and impaired operation of a motor vehicle.

The vehicle was located by a patrolling officer, who activated his emergency equipment in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but it failed to stop for police.

The truck was observed completely entering oncoming traffic lanes and nearly collided head on with a number of vehicles while it continued along Highway 3 toward Fernie.

Police were able to quickly organize a road block and the truck was successfully stopped using a spike belt in safe manner  to the west of Fernie at the Lizard Creek Bridge, reported Elk Valley RCMP Detachment commander S/Sgt. Svend Nielsen.

“All four tires were impacted by the device. The driver, a 54-year old Calgary resident, was arrested without incident for failing to stop for police. The arresting officer quickly formed grounds of impairment, so the man was taken to the Fernie Detachment where he provided breath samples which were found to be double the legal limit.”

Of note, the driver had been issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition in March 2023 by Cranbrook RCMP, S/Sgt. Nielsen added.

The driver was later released on an undertaking with a number of conditions related to the offences. His first court appearance is in July 2023.  The suspect name cannot be released as no charges have yet been approved by Crown Counsel.

“Elk Valley Regional RCMP would like to thank the public for following the officer’s directions near the Lizard Creek Bridge, allowing for the suspect truck to be stopped safely and successfully by police. The original complainants provided evidence to support charges and also provided dash camera footage,” S/Sgt. Nielsen said.

Police are still looking for witnesses in this matter. If anyone has information regarding this event, please contact Elk Valley Regional RCMP at 250-425-6233 to speak with an officer. Please refer to file 2023-991.

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW


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