A motorist in Kelowna has been arrested for allegedly impaired and distracted driving at the same time.
On Tuesday, Jan. 6 just before 10:30 a.m., a BC Highway Patrol Officer in unmarked police cruiser drove passed a driver travelling on Harvey Avenue who appeared to have a glass pipe in his mouth.
“When the man was pulled over, he claimed he was ‘only’ smoking marijuana,” said BC Highway Patrol Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “Perhaps he didn’t realize it’s illegal to be impaired by any drugs while driving- including cannabis.”
The 56-year-old Kelowna man was arrested. When the officer searched the vehicle, they found a butane lighter and a glass pipe, typically used to smoke crack cocaine and needs the use of two hands. There was no evidence of marijuana and he told the officer he smoked crack earlier in the day.
The man “performed poorly” on a Standardized Field Sobriety Test. He was given a blood demand and taken to hospital for further testing.
“Impairment in any form is unacceptable, and that includes prescription and recreational drugs,” added McLaughlin. “You need to drive sober all of the time, and especially in slippery winter conditions.”
The driver’s vehicle was impounded. Additionally, he received a 24-hour driving suspension and a ticket for failing to produce a driver’s licence. Pending laboratory results and further investigation, criminal charges will be considered.