Vernon man arrested after allegedly driving drunk, crashing into semi-trailer

VERNON – A 27-year-old Vernon man has been arrested after allegedly driving drunk and crashing into a parked semi-trailer.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP says in a news release that just after 1 a.m. this morning, July 24, police responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 1250 block of Middleton Way in Vernon, after a vehicle crashed into the rear of a semi-trailer.

Police say the semi-trailer was not attached to the tractor at the time of the crash.

After arriving at the scene, an officer began an impaired driving investigation after the driver allegedly showed signs and symptoms of alcohol consumption. The 27-year-old Vernon man was arrested for impaired driving, and was taken back to the RCMP detachment where he provided two samples of his breath, both of which were almost twice the legal limit, police say.

A passenger in the vehicle was taken to hospital.

"Both the driver and passenger of this incident are lucky to not have suffered any major injuries," says Vernon North Okanagan RCMP spokesperson Const. Kelly Brett. "There’s no excuse to drink and drive. If you plan to drink, leave your car at home."

The driver is facing charges of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, and is scheduled to appear in court in September.

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