Oceanside RCMP responded to a strange sequence of events involving an impaired driver on New Years Eve in Qualicum Beach (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

Impaired driver

Attempt to stop suspected impaired driver in Qualicum Beach backfires

Jan 4, 2025 | 9:15 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Oceanside RCMP say a motorist who tried to prevent a suspected impaired driver from going any further failed a roadside screening test.

The unusual incident happened at 5:30 p.m. on New Years Eve after Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth stated a call was placed to their detachment to report a suspected impaired driver.

That driver pulled over on Fern Rd. near Berwick Rd., who police later confirmed to be sober and having difficulty driving in the dark.

A second driver, a 50-year-old Qualicum Beach man, suspected the initial motorist was impaired and decided to stop to prevent them from driving any further.

“When officers arrived, they smelled alcohol on the breath of the second driver and administered a roadside alcohol screening test, which the driver failed. The driver received an immediate 90-day driving prohibition and had their vehicle impounded for 30 days.”

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Sgt. Worth confirmed the initial complaint filed with Oceanside RCMP was not the driver sanctioned for impaired driving.

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