A 37-year-old Surrey man maybe facing a long road through the court system after driving impaired twice in one night – only hours apart.

On Monday (May 18), shortly before midnight, a Surrey RCMP frontline officer came across a collision involving an SUV and a sedan in the area of 16th Avenue and 168th Street, and stopped to investigate. The driver of the SUV was subsequently arrested for impaired driving and his vehicle was impounded.

The man was released from police custody and was issued an appearance notice, a driving prohibition and was transported home by officers. Fortunately, no serious injuries were sustained by any of the parties involved in the collision.

Later the same night at approximately 4:15 a.m., Surrey RCMP received a report of an alleged impaired driver who had crashed into a fence post near 16th Avenue and King George Boulevard.  The responding frontline officers identified the driver as the same man they had arrested earlier that night for impaired driving. He was behind the wheel of another vehicle. He was arrested again for impaired driving, and additionally for prohibited driving.  

Charges have not yet been laid for either of these incidents, but a fulsome report to the BC Public Prosecution Service is forthcoming.

“The selfish driving behaviour displayed by this individual is unacceptable and posed a serious safety risk to the public,” said Sgt. Dave Chu of the Surrey RCMP Traffic Services. “If your activity involves consuming alcohol, please plan ahead to find a safe ride and do not drive.”

If you witness a driver that you suspect is impaired, contact Surrey RCMP hands-free at 604-599-0502 or, if you wish to make an anonymous report, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.