Impaired Driver Assaults Officer and Flees

A Kitchener man faces several charges after a Guelph Police Service officer was assaulted during a traffic stop early Thursday.

Approximately 2:40 a.m. an officer was patrolling on Silvercreek Parkway South when she observed a man slumped over behind the wheel of a stopped vehicle. The man was removed from the vehicle, but shoved the officer and was able to get back in the car and flee.

The vehicle was followed for more than one kilometre before coming to a stop in a plaza parking lot. He refused to exit the vehicle, requiring police to smash a window to get him out and prevent him from driving again.

The driver was arrested and transported to the police station, where tests confirmed he had more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system.

A 43-year-old Kitchener man is charged with impaired driving, dangerous driving, assault police, flight from police and several Highway Traffic Act offences. His licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle – which is registered to his mother – was impounded for seven days. He was held for a bail hearing Thursday.

The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to always consume alcohol and cannabis responsibly. Please don’t drive if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, and please ensure that you plan ahead so that you have a safe ride home. Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver is asked to immediately call 911.