POLICE – 2019 goes out with an unexpected bang for Red Nose crew

An Operation Red Nose volunteer crew got a rude surprise on New Year’s eve but one that provided an important teaching moment about drinking and driving.

The crew, working in tandem with two vehicles, were struck from behind by a suspected impaired driver while providing a sober ride home to a small group of clients.

Kamloops RCMP received a 911 emergency call just before midnight of a motor vehicle collision along the East Trans-Canada Highway near Grand Boulevard. Frontline officers determined that the driver of a black Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck had hit a green Subaru Forester and a blue Ford Focus from behind prior to crossing into the oncoming lanes and leaving the highway.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey said the driver of the pickup truck, which came to rest down an embankment, was entrapped and required extrication by emergency crews. While observing and interacting with the driver at the scene, the investigating officer detected signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication from the man and subsequently provided him with a demand.

The 24-year-old Kamloops man, who suffered non-life threatening injuries in the crash, refused to provide a breath sample. He was subsequently issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and charged with drive without due care and attention under the Provincial Motor Vehicle Act.

“Our investigation has revealed that both the sedans were occupied by three Operation Red Nose volunteers and three clients being escorted home,” said O’Donaghey.

“This incident serves as a somber reminder to find a safe and sober ride home. Thankfully no one was seriously injured as a result of this entirely preventable collision, which could have had a deadly outcome.”

If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police you are asked to call the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.