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RCMP dealt with multiple impaired drivers last weekend

Aug 22, 2017 | 2:00 PM

It was a hectic weekend for members of the Battleford’s RCMP. In total, the detachment responded to 249 calls ranging from domestic violence, vandalism and theft.

One statistic which stood out for RCMP Cpl. James Fenrich was the amount of impaired drivers charged in the Battlefords area over the three day period.

“Like every offence in the Criminal Code we (RCMP) take impaired driving very seriously,” Fenrich said. “We do our best to track down those who think it’s a good idea to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.”

On Friday night, a 39-year-old man was arrested and charged with multiple offences including failure to provide a breath sample, impaired operation of a motor vehicle as well as operating an unregistered vehicle while driving with a suspended licence.

“Every night we (RCMP) get calls from people regarding people driving erratically,” Fenrich added. “We do our best to locate these individuals and if these people are impaired from either alcohol or drugs we act swiftly.”

On Saturday morning, officers were dispatched to locate an impaired driver on Highway 16 near Delmas. The driver, a 17-year-old girl from the Cut Knife area drove the vehicle off the highway and into a field. She was arrested and charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over .08.

Later that afternoon a 33-year-old female was arrested on 110 St. in North Battleford. The woman was charged with impaired driving and refusing to provide a breath sample.

On Sunday police stopped a vehicle going 137 km/h southbound on Highway 4 South of Battleford. The 30-year-old driver from the Battlefords was arrested after it was determined he was impaired. The driver became confrontational with police and a breath sample was not provided. He is now charged with impaired operation of a vehicle, refusing a breath sample and uttering threats to police.

Fenrich reminded motorists the penalties for impaired driving are severe and you not only put your own life in jeopardy you also put other lives in danger.

If you suspect someone being impaired behind the wheel or see someone driving erratically you are urged to contact the Battleford RCMP or Crime Stoppers. 

Recently SGI began a campaign directed at friends of people who may have been drinking and try to get behind the wheel.  The initiative is called “Be a Good Wingman” and it encourages friends not to let friends drink and drive.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

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