Two drivers were arrested on the weekend for reportedly being impaired while behind the wheel in the Cold Lake area.
The Cold Lake RCMP said at 7:10 p.m. Sept. 13, Mounties responded to a report of an impaired driver who allegedly hit several vehicles on 5 Avenue. Police reported that several witnesses had held the driver back to prevent them from leaving the scene.
Mounties arrived and brought the driver to the Cold Lake RCMP detachment, where it was reported that a breathing test found the driver’s blood alcohol concentration to be 3.5 times the legal limit.
Hours later, at 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, police responded to a cell phone crash notification at Highway 55 and Highway 28, south of Cold Lake. Police reported that a vehicle was going westbound on Highway 55 and failed to stop at the stop sign at Highway 28.
The vehicle then crashed into a field, where the driver allegedly fled into the nearby woods. With help from Police Dog Services and a drone, the suspect was found and arrested. Police said the driver was taken to the Cold Lake RCMP detachment for a breath test, where their blood alcohol concentration was reported to be over double the legal limit.
The RCMP said both drivers will be charged with the following offences, pending Crown approval:
Impaired operation of a conveyance;
Having a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80mgs% within 2 hours of operating a conveyance; and
Failing to remain at the collision (Traffic Safety Act).
“Impaired driving continues to be a problem and a priority for the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment” said Sgt. Russell of the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment. “If your plans involve alcohol, make sure you have a transportation plan ahead of time.”
Both of the drivers were given notices to appear in court in November.
