Impaired driver spends a night in jail following fight with Mountie

An impaired driver had a one-night stay at the Prince George RCMP detachment following a fight with police.

Just after 2:00 am on Sunday, the Prince George RCMP’s Traffic Services Unit conducted a traffic stop with a pickup truck in a parking lot off the 2200-block of the Hart Highway.

According to police, the lone occupant was exhibiting signs of intoxication and was detained as part of an impaired driving investigation.

The driver provided a sample of his breath into an Approved Screening Device, which registered a “warm” reading.

Mounties say the driver began physically fighting with police, which prompted the officer to use their pepper spray.

With the help of other officers, the driver was arrested without further incident and was taken to the Prince George RCMP detachment’s cell block, where he received treatment for his exposure to the pepper spray.

The driver was released with a three-day driver’s license suspension, and his vehicle was impounded for three days.

One officer received a minor injury during the altercation.

“This is a reminder, now that the holiday season is upon us, to look for other means of transportation if you are going to be consuming alcohol or cannabis,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.

“A great alternative is Operation Red Nose Prince George, which is available for drivers on weekends throughout December. Phoning a friend, calling a cab or waiting for public transportation: all of these are terrific options if you find yourself celebrating more than you intended.”