Police nab drunk driver

A timely tip from a Nelsonite prevented an impaired driver from endangering lives on the city’s streets.

NPD received a tip at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 2 from someone who was concerned about a man heavily under the influence of alcohol who was planning on driving home.

When police arrived on scene they were able to locate the driver and vehicle just as he was pulling out of the lot.

“The driver appeared impaired and smelled strongly of alcohol, prompting officers to demand a breath test, which resulted in a fail,” Silk Edwards with the Nelson Police Department said. “The driver was arrested for impaired operation, and was released with a 30-day vehicle impoundment and a 90-day license suspension.”

Impaired driving causes over 75,000 accidents per year in Canada, Edwards pointed out.

“It is a crime that the Nelson Police Department takes extremely seriously,” she said. “We thank the member of the public who reported the situation and potentially prevented a serious situation from arising.”