Drunk driver with loaded rifle confronted

An especially dangerous drunk driver was arrested early Monday morning after mounties discovered a loaded rifle on his seat.

"This is a scary situation," RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk said. "It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in a vehicle." 

The 34-year-old Cherryville man was chauffeuring two passengers when RCMP pulled him over around 1 a.m. A concerned citizen had phoned in to report his dangerous driving. 

"(He) appeared to be under the influence of liquor," Molendyk said.

"Our officer then noticed a rifle leaning on the front seat between the driver and passenger," Molendyk said. The mountie ordered the driver out of the truck and removed the rifle. 

"When our officer checked the rifle he found it to be loaded with two rounds. The driver had several more in his jacket," Molendyk said.

The driver was taken to the police office for impaired driving.

"His blood alcohol reading was more than twice the legal limit," Molendyk said.

He is expected to face firearms related charges. The two passengers were allowed to leave.

Molendyk said the file is still under investigation.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230