Following a report of a suspected impaired driver on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) on March 24, 2022, a 48-year-old man was arrested for impaired driving.
Shortly before 5:00 p.m., police received the initial report of a truck that was pulled over on the side of the TCH near Springdale. The driver was reported as being impaired. While police were enroute, further information was received indicating that the truck was now travelling east on the TCH. The vehicle was located and the driver, who was slow to respond in pulling over for the officer, eventually pulled over and showed signs of alcohol impairment. Open alcohol was observed within the vehicle and the man failed a roadside breath test. He was arrested for impaired driving.
During the investigation, police learned that the same truck sideswiped an oncoming vehicle while driving on the TCH causing damage to the motorist's driver-side mirror. Another motorist reported that they were forced off the roadway in order to avoid a collision with the same vehicle.
The driver was transported to the detachment and provided breath samples that were more than three times the legal limit. He now faces charges of impaired operation and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The man is scheduled to attend court on May 18, 2022, in Grand Falls-Windsor. His licence was suspended and the truck was seized and impounded.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.