A Kamloops man is facing potential charges after being stopped by Vernon-North Okanagan police responding to reports of a possible impaired driver early Tuesday afternoon.
Just before noon, RCMP received multiple complaints of an erratic and possibly impaired driver in Coldstream.
“It was reported the vehicle appeared to have front-end damage and that the driver appeared to be disoriented, stopping multiple times to ask for directions,” said RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett.
An officer attended to conduct patrols, spotted and initiated a traffic stop with a dark grey Dodge Charger with extensive front-end damage on Ponderosa Way in Coldstream.
The attending officer began an impaired driving investigation after the driver displayed notable signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication.
“The investigator subsequently provided the driver with a demand. The driver then provided two samples of his breath roadside, both resulting in a fail,” said Brett.
“The Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP wish to thank those citizens who called in to report the erratic driving behaviour. It is as a result of the actions of those concerned members of the public that may have averted a tragedy and saved someone’s life that afternoon.”
The driver, a 32 year old Kamloops man, was issued a 90-day driving prohibition under the Motor Vehicle Act and a 30-day vehicle impoundment.
Later that afternoon, at around 3:30 p.m., RCMP received a report of extensive damage to Creekside Park, located just off of Kidston Road in Coldstream.
Police believe that the damages sustained to the park were caused by a vehicle driving onto the field and then exiting through a maintenance fence.
“Creekside Park received significant damages to the fields, leaving thousands of dollars of repairs to be done,” said Brett. “We believe the incidents may be connected at this time and are looking to speak to any witnesses.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP at 250-545-7171.