RNC credit public for helping nab impaired drivers

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary charged five people with impaired driving over the Labour Day holiday weekend and says numerous individuals were charged with offences related to impaired driving over the past week in the St. John’s area.

Three of the charges laid over the weekend were a direct result of information received from the public, according to the police.

The RNC said in a statement today, it would like to thank members of the public for their continued assistance and remind the public that if anyone has information about unsafe or illegal motor vehicle operation, they can contact the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be provided anonymously on the N.L. Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com

Among the incidents this weekend:

• On Saturday, around 2:55 a.m. RNC patrol services officers responded to a single-vehicle collision on New Cove Road in St. John’s. As a result, a 19-year-old male was charged with impaired driving and failing the breathalyzer. He was released to appear in court at a later date.

• Also on Saturday, the RNC, acted on information from a concerned member of the public around 6:25 p.m. and located a suspect vehicle in the area of Penny Crescent and Torbay Road. A 19-year-old male was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired, operation of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level over the legal limit and failing to remain at the scene of a collision. He was released to appear in court at a later date.

On Sunday, around 9:20 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop on the Goulds bypass road. Officers administered a roadside breathalyzer test which resulted in a 49-year-old St. John’s man being issued a seven day driving suspension.

On Monday, around 10:30 a.m. police responded to a complaint from a concerned citizen about people throwing beer bottles out of a vehicle in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove. The vehicle was located and an investigation led to a 22-year-old man being charged with impaired driving and having a blood alcohol level over the legal limit. The man was released to appear in court at a later date.

Also, on Monday around 2:32 p.m., as a result of information the RNC received from a member of the public, a 22-year-old man was charged with impaired driving and having a blood alcohol level over the legal limit on the Trans-Canada Highway in the Paddy’s Pond area.

He was also released to appear in court at a later date.