Weekend results in two impaired stops, RCMP remind public to be vigilant
By Rossland Telegraph
Last weekend, Rossland saw two incidents of impaired driving, according to RCMP Sgt. Mike Wicentowich.
“On Friday, March 17, at 10:50 p.m., a frontline Trail RCMP officer was conducting a routine patrol when he observed a 30-year-old Rossland man drift his 1999 red Ford F150 around a corner from Hwy 3B onto Columbia Avenue in Rossland. The officer detained the man and his truck roadside,” Wicentowich said.
“The officer made observations that led him to believe the man’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol. The officer entered into an investigation. The officer read a demand to the man who provided a sample of breath roadside that resulted in a fail.”
Wicentowich said the 30-year-old Rossland man was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) under section 215 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act and had his vehicle impounded for up to 30 days.
The man really slid himself into this situation. Wicentowich said.
Then, at almost the same time the following day, another impaired driver garnered police attention
“On Saturday, March 18, at 10:55 p.m., a frontline Trail RCMP officer observed a 35-year-old Rossland woman in her 2019 red Jeep Cherokee driving erratically on the road in the 2200 block of Columbia Avenue in Rossland.
The officer detained the woman and her vehicle roadside.
“The officer made observations that led him to believe the woman’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol,” Wicentowich said
“The officer believed that the woman’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol. The officer entered into an investigation,” he added. “The officer read a demand to the woman who provided a sample of breath roadside that resulted in a fail. Notably, the woman allegedly made 16 attempts to provide a breath sample during the course of this investigation and was verbally abusive toward the officer.”
The 35-year-old Rossland woman was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) under section 215 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act and had her vehicle impounded for up to 30 days.
The officer’s patience and professionalism in this incident was remarkable, said Wicentowich said.
Road Safety Check Stops in the Trail and Greater District
In March 2023 Trail and Greater District RCMP have conducted two Road Safety Check Stops in the area. Trail RCMP has recently purchased new flashlights and shoulder lights for its officers to help them conduct checks safely. As winter turns to spring, Trail RCMP anticipates more traffic and outdoor social activities. Please make sure you plan on a sober ride home before you head out with family and friends. We would also like to thank the BC Highway Patrol for all of their efforts and enforcement recently. Together, we are keeping our roads and highway safer for everyone. says Sgt. Wicentowich.
