A near miss over the weekend is prompting RCMP to remind the public that counter-attack road checks will be underway searching for both impaired and dangerous drivers.
On Dec. 9, at around 1:35 a.m. officers were conducting a counterattack road check on the William R. Bennett Bridge. While on scene, officers were quickly drawn to the dangerous movements of a late 90’s black Chevrolet Cavalier.
The two-door passenger car, which had pre-existing front end damage including a flat passenger side tire, was observed speeding along the highway and allegedly came to a screeching halt just short of colliding with a marked police car on the bridge.
An officer approached the car and quickly noted evidence that suggested the vehicle's airbags had been deployed recently.
Following verbal interaction with the driver, RCMP issued a breath test, which the driver failed. According to police, the driver was transported back to the detachment where she provided breath samples that came back at two times the legal limit.
"Our enforcement officers in Kelowna and all across the Central Okanagan will be conducting roadside checks throughout the holiday season at several undisclosed locations, specifically targeting impaired drivers who choose to put themselves and other road users at risk," states RCMP Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey of the Kelowna Regional Detachment.
“If your holiday festivities involve alcohol, plan ahead for a safe ride home. Please arrange a designated driver, take public transit or call a taxi.”
The 49-year-old female driver faces potential impaired driving charges. She was released from police custody and is expected to appear in court on Mar. 9, 2019.
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