Yellowknife RCMP locate and arrest five impaired drivers over the Easter long weekend.
On Saturday, April 16, 2022, Yellowknife RCMP located and arrested two impaired drivers within seven minutes of each other.
- On April 16, at 2:26 am, a vehicle was stopped on 53rd Street. A 31 year-old man was arrested after failing a road side screening test for alcohol. The man provided samples of their breath that were over the legal limit.
- On April 16, at 2:33 am, RCMP conducted a traffic stop on 45th Street. A 23 year-old man was found to be driving the vehicle and was arrested for impaired driving. The man later provided breath samples that were more than twice the legal limit.
- Charges of impaired driving and impaired driving with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit are pending for both men.
Later that day, at approximately 10 am, RCMP responded to a report of a possible impaired driver near the entrance to the Dettah Ice Road. RCMP conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle and subsequently arrested a 37 year-old man for impaired driving. This man later provided samples of their breath which were over the legal limit. Charges of impaired driving and impaired driving with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit are pending.
Later in the afternoon, at approximately 1:30 pm, RCMP received a report of an impaired driver leaving a business on Range Lake Road. Patrols were made and the suspected driver was located on Highway 3 after driving their vehicle into a snow bank. A subsequent traffic stop resulted in the driver, a 66 year-old man, being arrested for impaired driving. This driver later refused to provide samples of their breath. Charges are pending for refusing to comply with a breath demand.
The next day, at approximately 1:30 am, RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Borden Drive. A 26 year-old man was arrested for impaired driving after failing a roadside screening test for alcohol. This man later provided samples of their breath that were over the legal limit. Charges of impaired driving and impaired driving with a blood alcohol content over the legal limit are pending.
Impaired driving continues to be an issue within the City of Yellowknife and surrounding areas. The Yellowknife RCMP would like to remind drivers that operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol can carry severe consequences and puts you and those around you at-risk of serious injury or death. Drivers face the same penalties for both alcohol and drug impairment and penalties can include losing your driver's license, substantial fines, having your vehicle towed and even, jail sentences. Impaired driving is completely avoidable and residents are encouraged to plan ahead and make arrangements for safe transportation.
The public plays a significant role in keeping our roadways safe. If you suspect or are aware of an impaired driver, call, 911. Providing as much information as possible regarding the vehicle, driver, location and direction of travel can help police get impaired drivers off the road.