Date: Jan 29, 2015
Victoria BC – VicPD officers are crediting a local citizen for helping net two impaired drivers after reporting an erratic driver late last Friday night.
Officers received a call at approximately 11 p.m. on Friday, January 22 from a concerned citizen who noticed a vehicle traveling east on Esquimalt Road and hitting the curb and running into bushes along the street.
When officers arrived they found the vehicle parked in the 600-block of Esquimalt road, with engine running, and the driver still seated inside. When approached, the driver exhibited signs of drug impairment. After a test by a Drug Recognition Expert, the 30-year-old Langford man was arrested for impaired driving. During the subsequent investigation he was also found with a small amount of cocaine.
While officers were at the scene, one of VicPD’s K9 officers on scene noticed a vehicle pull up behind them, pull an illegal U-turn, and slowly drive away while swerving down the road.
The officer jumped into his police vehicle and pulled the truck over.
After numerous “clues” were noted by the officer, he issued a roadside screening device test, which the driver promptly failed.
The 79-year old Esquimalt man had his vehicle seized and was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition.
Officers are recommending charges of impaired driving, possession of cocaine and failing to provide a sample against the original driver.
“This is a fantastic example of how this concerned citizen did exactly the right thing and allowed us to take two dangerous drivers off our roads,” said VicPD K9 officer Cst. Eric LeQuesne. “Impaired driving is one of the leading causes of preventable injury and fatal collision on BC’s roadways and we’re glad to have the help and support of our communities in combatting it.”