Multiple drivers were arrested by RCMP NL this past weekend for impaired driving offences.
Shortly before 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening, September 8, 2023, Harbour Grace RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Columbus Drive in Carbonear. The driver, a 39-year-old man, showed signs of alcohol impairment, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested for impaired driving. At the detachment, he provided further breath samples that were nearly two and a half times the legal limit.
Approximately a half an hour later, 9:30 p.m. on September 8, 2023, Bonavista RCMP conducted a traffic stop in Bonavista. The 74-year old driver showed signs of alcohol impairment and refused to provide a roadside breath sample. He was arrested for refusing to provide a breath sample.
Shortly after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, Bay St. George RCMP received a report of a residential disturbance involving a suspected impaired driver. Officers attended a residence in West Bay where a 50-year-old man was arrested for impaired driving and other offences. At the detachment, the man provided breath samples that were nearly one and a half times the legal limit.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 10, 2023, Channel-Port aux Basques RCMP received a report of a suspected impaired driver who had departed the Marine Atlantic Ferry terminal. The described vehicle was located on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Wreckhouse area. The driver, a 52-year-old man from Nova Scotia, who showed signs of alcohol impairment, was arrested. At the detachment, he provided breath samples that were more than three and a half times the legal limit.
Later that evening, shortly before 8:30 p.m., Bonavista RCMP received a report of a collision involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and a car that occurred on Route 235 near Bonavista. The driver of the car, a 67-year-old man, showed signs of alcohol impairment. He failed a roadside breath test and was arrested for impaired driving. At the detachment, he provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit. This investigation is continuing.
All five drivers were released from custody and are set to attend court at later dates to answer to impaired driving charges. Each driver received a licence suspension and a vehicle impoundment.
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.