A member of the Fort St. John RCMP Detachment was shaken up, but uninjured, following a collision with a vehicle driven by a male believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.
The driver was arrested.
The incident happened Tuesday at about 2:30 a.m. when the RCMP member was passing through an intersection, but the allegedly impaired driver ignored a stop sign and pulled across the Mountie's path at a high rate of speed.
The offender's vehicle was uninsured. The driver carried on from the crash for about half a block before stopping.
"The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle exited his vehicle and attempted to run away from the scene," said Fort St. John RCMP spokeswoman Const. Jackelynn Passarell. The police officer involved, whose air bag was activated in the collision, exited his police vehicle and pursued the driver on foot. The police officer was able to apprehend the driver of the vehicle after a foot chase. The driver attempted to fight with the police officer in order to evade custody. The member was able to control the male and bring him into custody."
The suspect is a 24-year-old man, who was also driving without a valid license.
Both suspect and Mountie were checked by BC Ambulance paramedics and released. Both had minor injuries. Both vehicles were significantly damaged.
"This is just one example of the dynamic and evolving situations that our members face on a daily basis and how they are able to maintain their focus and successfully bring offenders into custody," said Passarell. "This uninsured, unlicensed driver, who is believed to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, has now been removed from our roadways thanks to the persistence of this officer."
The suspect is being investigated for driving under the influence of alcohol. He has been remanded in custody and faces numerous charges.
