RCMP vehicles at a checkstop in Fort McMurray August 15th and 16th. Photo provided by the RCMP
Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Wood Buffalo say a Fort McMurray man is facing several charges following reports of an erratic driver on Highway 63 last week.
Police say officers received multiple complaints on May 15 about a blue Ford Ranger travelling northbound near Airport Road. RCMP later located the vehicle near Hardin Street and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly fled at a high rate of speed. Officers say a pursuit was not initiated due to public safety concerns.
RCMP later attended the registered owner’s residence in Fort McMurray where the truck was found parked in the driveway with the driver still behind the wheel. Police say the driver showed signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested. Breath samples later reportedly registered nearly four times the legal alcohol limit.
The 38-year-old Fort McMurray man, who has not yet been publicly named, is facing charges including impaired operation, operating over the legal limit, and flight from a peace officer. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court June 24.
The incident comes as Alberta RCMP release province-wide enforcement numbers from the Victoria Day long weekend. Between May 15th and 18th, officers removed 122 impaired drivers from Alberta roads due to alcohol or drugs. RCMP also issued more than 1,200 traffic tickets during the campaign, including over 1,100 speeding tickets.
Police say there were also 25 injury collisions and six fatalities reported across the province over the long weekend. RCMP say enforcement efforts will continue during future long weekends as officers work to reduce impaired and unsafe driving.
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