News

The RCIPS is extending its thanks to members of the public who assisted us in our road safety efforts on two particular instances this past weekend, by reporting persons who appeared to be driving under the influence.

On Saturday afternoon, 15 February, the 9-1-1 Communications Centre received a report of an intoxicated driver travelling on Crewe Road. Police were dispatched, and, with the help of the reporting party, who provided further information on the description and direction of travel of the vehicle, were able to locate and stop the vehicle within a few minutes of the initial report, on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. Officers spoke to the driver of the vehicle, a man age 46, residing in West Bay, who showed clear signs of being intoxicated, and arrested him on suspicion of DUI. A breath test was conducted with a result of .230%.

Later that night, a report was received of a vehicle that had been spotted driving aggressively and erratically along North Church Street, including driving on the wrong side of the road. The reporting party assisted officers in tracking the location of the vehicle, however the driver refused to stop when initially located by police, until he was eventually stopped on Shedden Road. Officers spoke to the driver, a man age 47 of West Bay, who also showed signs of intoxication, and had open liquor in the vehicle. A breath test was conducted, with a result of .221%, and the man was arrested for DUI.

Chief Inspector Damenian Maxwell, responsible for Uniform and Specialist Operations stated: “We extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the public who took the time to report these incidents and assist us in our ongoing efforts to keep our roads safe. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and these cases highlight the importance of community cooperation in helping to protect lives”.

Both men were subsequently granted bail pending further investigation. They will be required to appear in court, and are now facing a $1,000 fine and the suspension of their licenses for a minimum of one year.

The RCIPS encourages the public to continue reporting any instances of dangerous or impaired driving by dialing 9-1-1.

“Your assistance is invaluable, and together, we can make our roads safer for everyone,’’ adds Chief Inspector Maxwell.