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Nanaimo
2024-11-25 13:05 PST
File # 2024-38333
An officer with the Nanaimo RCMP Traffic Unit narrowly avoided serious injury when his police vehicle was rear-ended by a suspected impaired driver. The incident occurred at approximately 4 PM on Saturday November 23, 2024 on Hammond Bay Road near Williamson Road. Neither the officer or suspect driver sustained any injuries.
Police, Fire and BCEHS responded to the incident which closed the roadway for a considerable time. Investigators spoke with the officer who said he was operating and unmarked police vehicle and was roadside with another vehicle who he had stopped for speeding. The officer said that his emergency lights were fully activated. While sitting in his vehicle and without any warning, he was struck from behind by a dark SUV travelling southbound on Hammond Bay Road. The force of the collision pushed his police vehicle into the back of the vehicle in front of him. The SUV rolled then came to a stop upside down in the middle of the road.
The officer checked on the other two drivers who did not sustain any significant injuries. The officer was also uninjured. Other officers attended and took over the investigation. The driver of the SUV displayed symptoms of driving while impaired by drugs, and was arrested for impaired driving. He was transported to the Nanaimo detachment for further investigation. Both the suspected impaired driver and vehicle that was stopped roadside were towed from the scene.
The impaired driving investigation continues. The officer involved reflected on his close encounter and considers himself fortunate to have avoided serious injury. He also believes that impaired drivers through their selfish actions continue to pose a significant threat to our community. said R/Cst Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.
The officer involved reflected on his close encounter and considers himself fortunate to have avoided serious injury. He also believes that impaired drivers through their selfish actions continue to pose a significant threat to our community.
Released by:
Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca
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