The evening of Friday, Oct. 4, a sharp-eyed RCMP officer, while on routine patrol in Montrose along 10th Avenue, noticed something suspicious. A vehicle with significant front-end damage was cruising past, its license plate partially obstructed. Sensing something off, the officer ran a quick check on the plate.
The results confirmed his suspicion. Not only was the vehicle allegedly uninsured, but a deeper investigation using the onboard police computer revealed that the driver, a 41-year-old man from Kelowna, was prohibited from driving in British Columbia.
The officer detained both the vehicle and the driver. After verifying the man’s identity, it was confirmed that he was indeed banned from operating a motor vehicle under Section 95 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act.
The Kelowna man was arrested at the scene, though later released, and his vehicle was impounded for up to seven days.
He is now slated to appear in Rossland courthouse on Dec. 3.
“Trail RCMP officers are committed to ensuring safer roads for everyone,” remarked Sgt. Mike Wicentowich following the incident.
Doggone it
On the evening of Sunday, Oct. 6, Trail RCMP responded to a report of an erratic driver on Highway 3B in Montrose.
Officers located the 45-year-old man and his vehicle in Fruitvale, where they detained him roadside. The driver explained that he had been distracted by his dog, which led to his erratic driving.
The officers issued the man a warning about the dangers of driving while distracted.
“Remember, driving while distracted can earn you a fur-real $368 fine,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
Impaired driver
Just after midnight on Sunday, Oct. 4, Trail RCMP received a call from a distressed 24-year-old Fruitvale man.
He reported that he had been involved in a car crash on Christie Road near Fruitvale, where he allegedly struck a parked vehicle while swerving to avoid a deer.
Officers and paramedics responded to the scene, where they found the man, who appeared unharmed. However, during the investigation, police observed signs that led them to suspect the man was impaired by alcohol.
A roadside breath test was administered, resulting in a fail.
The man was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, and his vehicle was impounded for up to 30 days.
“With the winter holiday season approaching, Trail RCMP and BC Highway Patrol will be vigilant in looking for impaired drivers,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich following the incident.
