In a shocking hit-and-run incident that occurred last Friday night, a female youth pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Riverdene Park Drive.
At approximately 10:38 p.m., police received a report of a hit and run. Responding officers swiftly arrived at the scene and began their investigation, explained Staff Sergeant for the Swift Current City RCMP, Evan Gordon.
“Police officers responded and spoke with a number of people both at the park and at the hospital and were able to identify a vehicle and a driver.” he elaborated. “Patrols within Swift Current located the vehicle and the driver and officers entered into an impaired investigation.”
During the investigation breath samples, witness statements, and CCTV footage were obtained by police. As a result, a male youth was arrested and charged.
The youth is facing one charge of impaired operation causing bodily harm, operation over .08 causing bodily harm, and failing to remain at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm.
The teen was released to a sober parent and his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.
The female victim, despite being taken to the hospital, was fortunate to have suffered only non-life-threatening injuries. She has since been released and is currently recovering from the incident.
Gordon emphasized the long-term impact of the charges on the driver's license and driving record.
For young people with newly acquired licenses, the novice driver program implemented by SGI imposes a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs.
In addition, limitations on the number of passengers are also enforced, which Gordon noted in this particular case appeared to have been violated as well.
Novice drivers found to have consumed alcohol while operating a vehicle face substantial penalties, including license suspensions ranging from 60-days for a first offence, to up to 18-months for repeat offences.
Charges of impaired driving or driving with a blood alcohol level over .08 can lead to indefinite license suspension under the Criminal Code, and drivers may face lengthy vehicle impounds, starting at 30-days.
He added that while these charges can have a significant impact, they can be minor in comparison to other consequences associated with drinking and driving.
“Those sorts of implications are a little bit less serious compared to the consequences of injury, not only to drivers and passengers, but to other people on the road, including pedestrians, and thankfully in this case, those consequences weren't more serious,” he concluded.