By Pete McIntyre

Erratic driver forced to stop by pickup truck; driver had an apparent overdose

Apr 15, 2020 | 11:06 AM

Police say a medical issue appeared to be the reason for a vehicle driving dangerously northbound on the highway toward Vernon.

Mounties received numerous calls around 5:40 p.m. Monday, April 14 about a Kia Sorento which was driving erratically and hitting the centre barricade.

“The Sorento continued to travel north bound on the highway even after sustaining damages, including a deflated tire. As the vehicle slowed to approximately 5 km/h, other vehicles travelling on the highway assisted the vehicle in coming to a complete stop,” Media relations officer Cpl. Tania Finn, said.

Finn said one driver used their pick-up truck to box in the car against the barricade to prevent it from going any further.

“Fortunately, the car was going slow by this point and the truck was able to stop the vehicle without any injury to themselves, the other driver or any member of the public. It was definitely a risky maneuver, and not one that police would recommend, but we are grateful it worked out,” she said.

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When police arrived, the driver was slipping into an unconscious state, Finn said.

“With assistance from Vernon Fire Rescue and the BC Ambulance Service, entry into the locked vehicle was gained and the driver was administered Narcan for an apparent drug overdose,” she said.

The driver, a 37-year-old man from Lake Country, was transported to the nearest medical facility, where he continues to receive medical care.

“The police investigation in regard to the dangerous driving continues. If you or anyone you know witnessed this incident and have not yet spoken to police, please contact Constable Gunn at the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP non-emergency line of 250-545-7171,” Finn added.

by Pete McIntyre

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