Man facing impaired driving charges after striking RCMP vehicle on South Shore

A 21-year-old Springfield man is facing driving-related charges after allegedly striking a parked RCMP vehicle while attempting to evade police on the South Shore.

Lunenburg District RCMP say the incident began around 7:10 p.m. on October 30, when an officer travelling east on Highway 3 in Western Shore noticed a Volkswagen Jetta pull onto the road without yielding to the police vehicle.

The officer then observed the car swerving, crossing the centre line and driving onto the shoulder of the road.

When the officer attempted to pull the vehicle over, police say the driver accelerated away.

Rather than pursue the car, the officer shared its description and direction of travel with other officers in the area.

Police later located the Jetta on Highway 103, where it pulled onto the shoulder.

According to RCMP, an officer parked a second marked police vehicle in front of the Jetta, at which point the driver slowly accelerated forward and struck the parked cruiser.

Both the driver and passenger were arrested without incident.

Officers reported finding open alcohol in the vehicle and suspected the driver was impaired. The driver subsequently failed a roadside breath test.

The 21-year-old man from Springfield was released pending a future court appearance. Police say he will face driving-related charges under the Criminal Code and was also issued several tickets under Nova Scotia’s Traffic Safety Act.

The passenger was released without charges.

RCMP are reminding motorists that suspected impaired driving is an emergency and should be reported to police.

Anyone reporting a suspected impaired driver is encouraged to provide the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, licence plate and description whenever possible.