Responding to the exploits of suspected drunk drivers kept police busy as the new year made its entrance.
At approximately 11:55 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Salmon Arm RCMP responded to a single vehicle accident on 14th Avenue SE.
Upon arrival, police found a black truck on its side in the ditch and learned that the driver of the vehicle had fled on foot. Officers were able to locate the driver a short distance away and report that he was under the influence of alcohol. As a result of the investigation, the 26-year-old man from Alberta was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
On Jan. 1 at 1:09 a.m., police were called to a single vehicle accident on Cedar Road in Blind Bay. Officers found the driver had apparently lost control of the car that then left the roadway and struck a tree before ending up hanging over the edge of the road. The 60-year-old driver sustained injuries to his face and back in the collision. Police report that the man was impaired by alcohol and charges are pending.
At 2:23 a.m. the same day, police responded to another single vehicle accident, this one at the intersection of the Trans-Canada Highway and Okanagan Avenue NE, where a vehicle had lost control and struck a tree. Police report finding three occupants in the vehicle with various non life-threatening injuries. The 19-year-old man driving was found to be under the influence of alcohol and a subsequent blood demand was made. Police are still investigating but charges are expected.
Officers report that they also responded to a number of noise complaints on New Year’s Eve.
