Cold Lake –

Cold Lake RCMP arrested two suspected impaired drivers within hours of each other over the weekend, including one driver police say was 3.5 times the legal blood alcohol limit after allegedly striking several vehicles along 5th Avenue.

“Impaired driving continues to be a problem and a priority for the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment,” said Sgt. Russell of the Cold Lake RCMP. “If your plans involve alcohol, make sure you have a transportation plan ahead of time.”

The first incident happened around 7:10 p.m. on Sept. 13.

RCMP were called to 5th Avenue following a report of an impaired driver who had allegedly struck several vehicles.

According to police, witnesses detained the driver and prevented him from leaving before officers arrived.

RCMP determined the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired by alcohol and transported him to the Cold Lake detachment for breath testing.

Police say the results showed his blood alcohol concentration was 3.5 times the legal limit.

Second driver found in woods after crash

Just over five hours later, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, RCMP received a cellphone crash notification near the intersection of Highways 55 and 28, south of Cold Lake.

Police say a vehicle travelling westbound on Highway 55 failed to stop at the stop sign at Highway 28 and continued into a field.

The driver allegedly left the crash scene and fled into the woods.

Cold Lake RCMP Police Dog Services and the detachment’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft System were brought in to help with the search.

Police located and arrested the driver for impaired operation and failing to remain at the scene of an accident.

RCMP say subsequent breath testing showed that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was more than twice the legal limit.

Pending Crown approval, both drivers will be charged with:

• Impaired operation of a conveyance;
• Having a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 mg% within 2 hours of operating a conveyance; and
• Failing to remain at the collision (Traffic Safety Act).

Both drivers were issued appearance notices and are expected to appear in court in November.

The allegations have not been proven in court.