‘Cascade of escalating recklessness’: North Vancouver RCMP stops impaired driver who claimed job required him to test drinks
Posted March 24, 2026 9:14 am.
Last Updated March 24, 2026 9:16 am.
Mounties in North Vancouver are calling out an impaired driver for serving up a poor excuse after being pulled over last week.
In the early hours of Friday morning, the North Vancouver RCMP says an officer witnessed the driver of a grey Honda Civic speeding, running red lights, and swerving across lanes while going the wrong way on Marine Drive near Garden Avenue.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 1130 NEWSRADIO VANCOUVER LIVE!The officer reportedly caught up to the driver and stopped him near Bewicke Avenue.
“Officers observed clear signs of impairment and initiated an impaired driving investigation. After being read the Approved Screening Device demand, the driver refused to provide a breath sample,” said a police statement Tuesday.
Cpl. Mansoor Sahak says the driver offered the excuse that he “is a bartender and had to test the drinks.”
Police say the driver was arrested for refusing to comply with lawful demand, received a 90-day driving prohibition, was ticketed for over $1,000, and had his vehicle impounded.
“This was a cascade of escalating recklessness,” said Sahak.
“It is bad enough that someone would drink and drive, but it is that much worse when they put the lives of other people at risk.”
The North Vancouver RCMP is reminding B.C. drivers that driving impaired can come with severe consequences, including penalties and breaching ICBC policy, which could result in 100 per cent responsibility for damage or injury.
–With files from Sonia Aslam
