71-year-old local facing charges including impaired, resisting arrest and assaulting an officer

By Trail Champion

A 71-year-old Silverton man is facing charges after allegedly driving impaired, resisting arrest, and assaulting the arresting officer, according to Slocan Lake RCMP Cpl. Ryan Fehler.

'On Aug. 26, just after 9 p.m., a Slocan Lake RCMP member pulled over a vehicle observed driving irregularly on Hwy 6 between New Denver and Silverton," Fehler said. "When the officer conducted a check for driver sobriety, it was determined that the driver displayed symptoms of intoxication. A test was administered roadside using an approved screen device which resulted in a “FAIL” reading, indicating the driver had a blood alcohol content higher than the legal limit."

He said a 71-year-old Silverton man was issued an immediate 90-day roadside prohibition.

"When the driver was advised that his vehicle was going to be impounded for 30 days, he became confrontational with the officer and had to be placed under arrest," Fehler said. "The driver resisted arrest and the officer had to use physical force to gain control of the male.

"Both the officer and the driver sustained minor injuries. The driver was later released and is scheduled to appear for a first appearance in Nakusp Provincial Court on Oct. 31," he concluded. "Police are recommending charges of Assaulting a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest against the male."