The Saanich Police Department says an impaired driver is now facing charges after he tried to leave his vehicle and flee on foot from police.
Police say the incident took place on Monday, July 19 at approximately 1:50 a.m.
According to a report, Saanich PD officers were parked near the intersection of Shelbourne Street and Cedar Hill Cross Road when they heard a loud crash. Police drove towards the sound and they saw evidence that a vehicle had crashed into the concrete centre island and drove off.
Police were able to follow a trail of fluid and debris — left by the car as a result of the crash — into a parking lot on Ophir Street.
As police arrived in the lot, they located the vehicle leaving debris and saw a man get out of the driver’s seat and flee from the car.
READ MORE: CRD starts construction on nearly 60 new affordable homes in Langford
Police say that a short chase ensued and one of the Saanich PD officers was able to catch the driver attempting to climb over a nearby fence.
Further investigation led officers to discover that the driver was prohibited from driving a motor vehicle, was in breach of probation stemming from a break and enter conviction, and later provided breath samples that were twice over the legal limit.
“This individual made a series of poor decisions that posed significant risks to the public, fortunately only resulting in substantial consequences for him and him alone,” reads a statement from Const. Markus Anastasiades, Public Information and Communications Officer with Saanich Police.
The man, who is 36-years old and from Nanaimo, is now facing charges of impaired operation of a conveyance, breach of probation, and driving while prohibited.
Graham Cox
