Impaired driver in West Kelowna hits RCMP cruiser, injures two including officer
Posted May 7, 2022 4:45 pm.
Two people including a police officer, were sent to hospital after an impaired driver slammed into a police cruiser in West Kelowna early Saturday morning.
Kelowna RCMP said the Dodge Durango sped through a stop sign on Main Street just before 1 a.m., ramming the officer’s Chevrolet Tahoe causing substantial damage to the front end of the SUV.
“The police officer sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment,” said Cpl. Tammy Lobb, media relations officer for the Kelowna RCMP, in a press release.
After hitting the officer, the Durango drove into a nearby restaurant, causing significant damage as the SUV crashed through the front of the business.
Another injured individual was a 20-year-old male passenger travelling in the vehicle and was transported to hospital with minor injuries.
The officer has been discharged from the hospital “and we are grateful they were not seriously injured as this collision could have been much more serious,” Lobb added.
Mounties say the 30-year-old male driver was arrested for impaired operation and could be facing charges related to the crash.
“Impaired driving puts people and property at risk and is one hundred percent preventable,” said Lobb. “The Kelowna RCMP reminds our community to always plan ahead and arrange a safe ride.”
Kelowna RCMP said investigation is ongoing and the driver would appear in court at a later date.
