The operator of an excavator used his huge machine to prevent a suspected drunk driver from leaving the scene of a confrontation in Brackley Thursday.
Leanne Butler, spokesperson with the RCMP, said this was a first for her in the 28 years she has been with the RCMP.
“I haven’t seen this before and I’m sure the other officers that went to the scene didn’t either,” said Butler. “It was an unconventional way to stop a vehicle.”
Queens District RCMP said they received a 911 call from the operator of the excavator saying a motorist got out of his vehicle to confront him about his work.
As he spoke to the driver, he observed signs of impairment so when the motorist tried to drive away, the operator used the bucket of his machine to block his exit.
When RCMP arrived, the 50-year-old male driver from Brackley Beach, was seen sitting in another vehicle with a person he had contacted for assistance.
“We don’t always encourage citizens to get involved that much in stopping impaired drivers but this one was done in a way that nobody was injured, nothing was damaged and the driver was able to successfully hold him there until we arrived,” said Butler.
The accused was taken back to the Queens District RCMP office at Maypoint where samples of his breath were recorded at three times the legal limit.
“Unfortunately, impaired driving is a problem here on P.E.I. and not that we see it everyday but high readings are something that I’ve seen consistently throughout the years.”
“Three times the legal limit is not absolutely shocking, unfortunately,” said Butler.
She said charges will be laid and the man will appear in court in early 2017.
Butler had some words of advice for those who are consuming alcohol over the holidays.
“People really need to find alternate ways to get home,” said Butler. “If they are going to drink, don’t drive. It’s people’s safety and we would encourage people to find a safe method home.”
“Call somebody else, let them drive you home before you get out there and possibly hurt somebody.”
Police encourage the public to report impaired driving by calling 911.