'Stoned not drunk' driver earns 90-day driving prohibition
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police experienced a busy weekend, serving a pair of 90-day driving prohibitions as well as arresting a man, with more than 35 criminal convictions from across Canada and wanted in two provinces.
‘Stoned not drunk’ excuse lands driver 90-day driving prohibition
During routine rounds, a Nelson police officer noticed a woman failing to stop her vehicle at a marked stop sign.
The officer activated the emergency lights on the police truck, signalling the driver to stop.
However, the driver failed to notice the flashing red and blue lights.
Once the small sedan stopped, the female driver failed to notice the uniformed officer at her car window.
Finally during conversation the officer made a number of observations that led him to believe the driver had been consuming alcohol prior to and during driving.
The officer made a lawful demand for a breath sample into a hand held instrument, but the woman refused to provide a breath sample, exclaiming to the officer that “she was stoned, not drunk.”
A second opportunity was given to provide a breath sample.
The driver again refused to provide a sample.
The result of that decision was a 90-day driving prohibition and a 30-day vehicle impound.
Odd behaviour leads NPD to arrest man with numerous convictions
Nelson police responded to a call early Friday (March 6) for assistance at a local pizzeria after staff reported a man sprawled on the floor and refusing to leave.
Staff said the man needed the privacy of the washroom to swallow a pill.
After departing the washroom, the male displayed more odd characteristics, sprawling out on the floor of the establishment. Staff then asked the man to leave.
Staff then called NPD dispatch after the man began cursing and mumbling while on the floor.
Prior to officers arriving, staff managed to help the man to his feet and escorted him out of the restaurant.
Police located the male close by and engaged him in conversation.
Although the male had been in Nelson a very short time he was already well known to the officers.
As a result of the conversation the man was taken into custody under the Liquor Act as the officers were of the opinion that he was too intoxicated to care for himself.
Unfortunately, prior to securing the male into a police vehicle the male attempted to injure the officers.
He was quickly taken into custody and transported to police lockup where he was allowed to sober up in a safe environment.
Police learned the man had more than 35 criminal convictions from across Canada and is currently wanted in two provinces in Eastern Canada.
The incident is still under investigation and the male may be facing new criminal charges.
East Kootenay lads take long way home after night of drinking
Persistence by Nelson Police officer took an impaired driver off the road.
The incident started when NPD dispatch received numerous phone calls reporting two intoxicated, rowdy males from Creston causing difficulties for local bar owners.
After being ejected from two drinking establishments the men departed in a distinct antique vehicle before officers arrived on the scene.
Police continued to patrol the downtown core, determined to find the intoxicated driver and found the males and their unique vehicle at a Nelson liquor outlet.
The officer waited until the driver returned and took care and control of the truck.
After a short investigation the officer acquired two breath samples that indicated the driver that he was too intoxicated to lawfully drive.
The driver was served a 90-day driving prohibition and a 30-day vehicle impound.
