Victoria, BC – Patrol officers took two allegedly impaired drivers off the road yesterday, and continue to be on the lookout for those who get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs this weekend.
File: 19-40334
Patrol officers were called to a parking lot in the 1000-block of Caledonia Avenue just before 5 p.m. for a report of a suspected impaired driver. The caller reported that a minor collision had occurred in the parking lot. When the two drivers got out of their vehicles to survey the damage and exchange information, the caller reported seeing open alcohol containers in one of the vehicle and suspected one of the drivers was displaying signs of being impaired.
As officers were on their way to the call, the caller reported that the passengers in one vehicle were pouring out alcohol from the open containers.
When Patrol officers arrived they noted signs of impairment in one of the drivers. During the process of the investigation passengers from one of the vehicle began to interfere with the officers. At one point one of the passengers was detained to allow the officers to proceed with their investigation.
The driver was issued a breath demand which registered a “fail”. The driver was taken into custody and transported back to cells, where an additional breath demand was made and additional failures were noted on screening devices. The driver was given an administrative driving prohibition, and released on a promise to appear in court at a later date to face recommended criminal impaired driving charges.
The passenger was released without charge.
The driver is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
File: 19-40429
Several hours later, just before 2 a.m., a Patrol officer – who assisted in the first impaired driver investigation – observed a speeding vehicle near the intersection of Douglas and Finlayson streets. The Patrol officer activated his lights and sirens, but the driver continued for a number of blocks before eventually seeming to take note of the police vehicle behind him and pulling over. Upon speaking to the driver, the officer immediately noted signs of impairment.
The Patrol officer issued a breath demand. The driver blew two “fails” on the approved screening device.
The driver was issued a 90-day immediate road side prohibition and his vehicle impounded.
VicPD Patrol officers continue to be on alert for impaired drivers. There is simply no reason to drive impaired. Transit, a taxi, a designated driver, or even calling a tow company to bring your car home are all cheaper, safer and better alternatives to driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Patrol officers will again be on the lookout for impaired drivers tonight.
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