In a series of incidents involving impaired drivers attempting to evade the police, two individuals are now facing multiple charges in Saanich.
The events unfolded late on Friday, June 9th, and Saturday, June 10th, resulting in pursuits, collisions, and subsequent arrests.
On Friday night, a BC Highway Patrol CRD—Integrated Road Safety Unit (IRSU) officer was on patrol in Saanich when he stopped a vehicle on Cedar Hill Cross Road to assess a driver’s sobriety.
Suspecting impairment, the officer demanded a roadside breath test. Unexpectedly, the driver abruptly started the vehicle and sped away, knocking the officer to the ground.
A Saanich Police officer, who witnessed the incident, ensured the injured IRSU officer was stable before pursuing the fleeing driver.
The chase ended when the driver stopped the vehicle at a dead-end street, abandoned it, and fled into a nearby park, successfully evading capture.
Meanwhile, officers investigating the incident discovered that the driver, in his impaired state, had forgotten he had surrendered his driver’s license, which contained crucial personal information.
Police promptly visited the driver’s home, where they apprehended the 33-year-old man.
He now faces six recommended charges, including assaulting a police officer with a weapon, impaired operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, failing to remain at the scene of a collision, and failing to provide a breath sample.
Fortunately, the injured IRSU officer received immediate medical attention and is expected to make a full recovery.
Incident Number Two
The following evening, a Saanich Police Traffic Safety Unit officer conducted a routine traffic stop on Nicholson Street, targeting a pickup truck to assess the driver’s sobriety.
The officer noticed a passenger in the front seat who identified himself as the registered owner. After forming reasonable grounds, the officer requested a roadside breath test from the driver, who failed.
Sensing growing frustration from the owner, who objected to his truck facing a 30-day impoundment, the officer explained the impaired investigation process to both individuals.
In an unexpected turn of events, the owner suddenly bolted into the driver’s seat and sped off towards Quadra Street.
One officer remained at the scene while another gave chase. However, as the pursuing officer turned onto Quadra Street, he arrived just in time to witness the truck crashing into a tree and a fence.
Upon arrival, the owner fled the scene, and hid in a nearby backyard.
Additional officers swiftly responded, tracking down and apprehending the 30-year-old owner in the backyard of a residence on Nicholson Street.
Subsequent breath tests conducted at the Saanich Police Department revealed that he was significantly over the legal alcohol limit of .08. The initial driver received a 90-day Immediate Roadside Driving Prohibition, while the truck, now heavily damaged, was impounded for 30 days.
The owner is now facing recommended charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight from police, highlighting the severity of his actions.
