File photo/Pattison Media

By Pete McIntyre

RCMP

Driver hits police vehicle, refuses breath demand

May 7, 2024 | 12:26 PM

A driver in Kelowna literally backed into trouble.

RCMP say officers were assisting paramedics in the 400-block of Lawrence Avenue on Saturday, May 4 around 1:15 a.m. when an officer noticed a white SUV backing up nearby that hit a parked police vehicle before attempting to drive away.

“The driver was stopped immediately after where officers noted indicators of alcohol consumption from the 53-year-old female driver,” Cpl. Michael Gauthier from the RCMP’s media relations unit, said.

Gauthier said the investigating officer made a breath demand, which the driver refused to provide.

“The driver was fined administratively with an immediate roadside prohibition which includes a $500 fine, a 90-day driving prohibition and a mandatory 30-day vehicle impound,” Gauthier said.

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The corporal said this was one of five impaired driving incidents officers investigated over the weekend in the Central Okanagan.

“Our position has always remained the same: we have zero tolerance for impaired driving,” Gauthier stated.