RCMP arrest alleged impaired driver after collision

A man faces potential impaired driving charges after a vehicle hit a power pole in Kelowna.

RCMP received a report of a car colliding with a pole in the 200 block of Valley Road in Kelowna Saturday at 3:35 p.m.

“The attending officers noticed that live power lines were lying across the road and posed an immediate risk to the driver who was still in the vehicle. BC Hydro employees were notified and the power lines were disabled,” said RCMP Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy.

While officers were dealing with the life threatening situation, a number of witnesses came forward to report that the vehicle had been driving in a dangerous matter prior to the collision, and had been speeding, and passing unsafely.

The driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, was arrested. He did not appear to have injuries as a result of the collision.

“The investigating officer detected possible signs of signs of alcohol intoxication. The investigator subsequently provided the driver with a demand who then provided samples of his breath roadside which resulted in a fail,” said Noseworthy. “As a result, the investigator provided the driver with another demand. He was subsequently taken to the Kelowna RCMP Detachment where he provided breath samples in excess of the legal limit.”

“The RCMP wish to thank those motorists who came forward to report the erratic driving behaviour,” stated Sgt. Mark Booth of the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Services. “This driver is extremely fortunate that his actions didn’t result in the death of himself or someone else.”

A 26-year-old Kelowna man was issued a driving prohibition under the Motor Vehicle Act and faces potential criminal charges. He was later released from police custody and is expected to appear in court on June 18, 2020.