A Calgary police officer was taken to hospital with minor injuries after their patrol car was struck by a vehicle driven by a man now facing impaired driving charges.
Police say the officer was conducting a traffic stop at approximately 8:45 p.m. Friday on southbound Stoney Trail S.E. at 88 Street S.E. when their marked vehicle was struck from behind by a white 2015 Dodge Caravan.
It is believed the officer was sitting in the driver’s seat of the police car, with emergency lights activated, on the right shoulder of Stoney Trail S.E. when the collision occurred. The impact caused significant damage to the police vehicle, which then collided with the vehicle that had been pulled over. That driver was not injured.
The officer had to be extracted from the car and was transported to hospital with minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan was not injured and was taken into custody at the scene.
As a result of the investigation, Nolan Taylor Watt, 37, has been charged with one count each of impaired operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams, and impaired operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with officer-based traffic enforcement for police and all road users on high-speed, high-volume roadways,” said Chief Constable Mark Neufeld.
The collision occurred during National Impaired Driving Prevention Week, which runs March 16 to 22. The annual campaign, led by police and Public Safety Canada, highlights the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue or distraction.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
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