When it comes to the holidays, the Weyburn Police Service seems to be either extremely busy with calls of all kinds or relatively quiet. So, how was Christmas week this year?
“It was a quiet Christmas, which is really nice to see,” exclaimed Deputy Police Chief Shane St. John. The WPS would end up fielding 51 calls for service December 23rd and this morning, resulting in a total of six charges – three under the Criminal Code, one under the Traffic Safety Act, one under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act, and one more under the Cannabis Control Saskatchewan Act.
“We’re still getting impaired (drivers),” St. John explained. “There was another impaired by alcohol, and then a 21-day suspension by drug.”
The impaired driving charge came around 4:30 a.m. Saturday. Police received a call about a vehicle that was stuck in the middle of the road. Police stated they noticed signs of impairment in the driver, and he was arrested and charged under the Criminal Code. The suspect now faces an indefinite driving suspension and a 30-day impoundment of their vehicle.
The incident of driving while impaired by drug happened last Monday. St. John explained the officers conducted a traffic stop and noticed signs of impairment, as well as open cannabis inside the vehicle. A saliva sample tested positive for THC, resulting in the driver’s license being suspended for 21 days, and the vehicle being impounded. A ticket was also issued for having the cannabis inside the vehicle.
Another type of call that comes in during the holiday season for the WPS centres around domestic disturbances. One such incident took place on Christmas Day, with police arriving to help mediate the situation.
“You get family from across Canada sometimes coming, maybe even the U.S., maybe overseas, some family that hasn’t seen each other in a long time,” St. John noted. “Alcohol can get flowing, and sometimes people can start arguing and maybe need police to intervene to calm things down.”
While Christmas is now over, New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and the WPS will be keeping an eye on things to ensure people ring in the New Year safely.
“Have a Happy New Year, but make sure you’re responsible, and you get home in a safe manner,” St. John said.