Not wearing a seatbelt was just the beginning of problems for a Vernon man.
Shortly after 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29, a Vernon RCMP North Okanagan Traffic Services officer noticed the driver of a blue 1988 GMC 2500 pickup, heading east on 25th Avenue, near 41st Street, was not wearing a seatbelt.
“Our officer conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the parking lot of the (Real Canadian) wholesale club,” said Vernon RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk. “When asked, the 68-year-old driver from Vernon failed to produce his driver’s license.”
While the officer was speaking with the driver, an odour of liquor was noticed on his breath.
The automatic screening device demand was read to the driver, and further investigation learned that the man was prohibited/suspended from driving under the Motor Vehicle Act.
“The driver subsequently refused to provide a breath sample,” said Molendyk.
The suspect was arrested for refusal and driving while suspended or prohibited. He could be in further trouble as he was operating a vehicle without an interlock ignition device, as required, under conditions of a previous incident.
During the investigation, the officer also noticed what was described as several “drug baggies” in the vehicle.
The driver was read his rights for possible possession of drugs but police did not find any drugs in the vehicle.
The suspect was released on a promise to appear in court.
