Impaired Coldstream man has Corvette impounded after passing RCMP cruiser

A 55-year-old Coldstream man has had his Corvette impounded las week after he was pulled over after blowing past an RCMP cruiser. 

It turns out he was also impaired.

A member of the BC Highway Patrol was driving on Highway 6 in Coldstream at around 8:30 a.m., Sept. 26, when a red Corvette passed him doing a 120 km/h in an 80 zone, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Oct. 15.

With lights and siren activated, the driver continued toward Vernon.

The driver was oblivious, RCMP said, and as the heavy traffic on the highway pulled over for the police lights and siren, he accelerated into the roadway that was now opening up in front of him.

Meanwhile, the speed limit dropped to 50 km/h and the driver was still doing around 120 km/h.

RCMP said the driver eventually stopped at a strip mall parking lot when he realized a police car was behind him.

The 55-year-old failed two mandatory alcohol screening tests and his driver’s licence was seized on the spot.

He was issued a 90-day immediate roadside prohibition, his 2025 Corvette was impounded for 30 days and he was given a ticket for excessive speeding.

The Coldstream man also faces impound fees, administrative penalties, high-risk driver premiums and a licence re-instatement fee bring his total costs to at least $2,400.

“This is a graphic illustration of one reason that impaired driving is so dangerous, BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Sgt. Michael McLaughlin said in the release.

“It’s potentially fatal, not be to mention embarrassing and costly, and you don’t want to be that guy.”