Suspected impaired driver caught with four-year-old daughter in vehicle
By Contributor
On the 21st of January 2012 at approximately 6:30 p.m., two independent witnesses called 9-1-1 to report a suspected impaired driver, driving northbound on the Sunshine Coast Hwy in Roberts Creek towards Sechelt.
With the information received, Sunshine Coast RCMP intercepted and stopped the suspect vehicle near Snodgrass RD in Sechelt after observing the vehicle driving under the speed limit and it crossing over the centre line. RCMP approached the driver who displayed obvious symptoms of intoxication and promptly detained him for impaired driving.
The breath demand was given to the driver, who refused to provide a sample of his breath. Upon closer inspection of the vehicle it was discovered that the drivers four-year-old daughter was inside the vehicle, as well as both open and closed cans of beer, of which was located under his daughters feet.
The Ministry of Children and Families (MCF) was called to attend the scene as it was felt by police that the actions of the accused posed as an immediate and imminent threat to his daughter.
“An innocent 4-year-old’s life was at risk in this incident and if Sechelt officers had not stopped this vehicle the consequences of this man’s senseless act could have been deadly”, said lead investigator, Cpl. McNeil.
As a result, MCF determined that the driver was too intoxicated to care for his child, who was subsequently taken to a family friends residence for the evening.
The driver, a 44-year-old Garden Bay resident, is facing charges of Impaired Driving and Refusing to Provide a Breath Sample, as well, received a 90-day Administrative Driving Prohibition and a 24 hour Roadside Prohibition.
He was released on a Promise to Appear, set to appear at the Sechelt Provincial Courthouse on February 29th 2012.
