On April 16, 2020, the Medicine Hat Police Service was notified of a potentially suicidal male operating a motor vehicle that possibly had a firearm. With a description of the vehicle, Patrols members were able to locate the subject and conduct a vehicle stop. As the driver showed signs of impairment an impaired driving investigation was initiated and the male was transported to MHPS where two breath samples were obtained. Resulting from this investigation the 56-year-old male was charged with:

• Impaired driving and exceed .08
• Two counts of Driving while Prohibited
• Three counts of Breach of Probation
• Three counts of Breach of Recognizance

The accused was released with a court appearance scheduled for July 22, 2020. No firearms were located in the accused’s vehicle.

Impaired driving continues to be a major contributing factor in fatal and serious injuries in Alberta. On average, 6,000 people were convicted of impaired driving in Alberta each year for the last five years. And from 2008-2016, 574 people died and nearly 8,000 people were injured as a result of alcohol- or drug-impaired driving.

Impaired Driving Laws:

• Having a BAC of 0.08 or over within two hours of driving is a criminal offence.

• In Alberta, and in most other Canadian jurisdictions, a driver with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.079 may face provincial consequences through the Immediate Roadside Suspension Program.

• Cannabis limits are measured using nanograms of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in blood.

• There are criminal penalties for cannabis when a driver has over 2 ng/ml but less that 5ng/ml of THC in blood and when a driver has 5 ng/ml or more THC in blood.

• There are also criminal penalties for combined drug and alcohol impairment when a driver has 2.5 ng/ml or more THC combined with 50 mg/100ml or more alcohol in their blood.

To report an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.

Media Contact:

Staff Sergeant Humphries
Patrol Section
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8461