Airdrie drunk driver arrested in Drumheller after allegedly endangering himself and others

The Drumheller RCMP have arrested an Airdrie impaired driver for endangering the lives of himself and others.

According to police, at approximately 2:30 am on Nov. 26, Drumheller RCMP members on patrol observed a dark blue Jeep travelling at a high rate of speed through the downtown core of Drumheller but were not able to initiate a traffic stop.   

Soon after, complaints from the public were received alleging a dark blue Jeep was driving through intersections at high rates of speeds near pedestrians.  An investigation was launched and the vehicle was soon observed by RCMP members leaving a local lounge.  A traffic stop was attempted; however, the vehicle fled from police at a high rate of speed and in a dangerous manner.  For public safety reasons, the vehicle was not pursued.

At 3:22 am, the suspect vehicle was observed travelling west on North Dinosaur Trail in Drumheller and came to a stop for reasons that were later determined to be that it ran out of fuel.  RCMP members approached the vehicle and took the driver into custody.  During the investigation, several liquor containers were found in the vehicle, the driver was found to have a suspended driver’s licence, and the driver was believed to be impaired by alcohol.  The driver provided breath samples that were over twice the legal limit.

Ashtyn Verkerk, 19, of Airdrie, was charged with multiple offences including: Dangerous Driving of a Conveyance; Impaired Operation of a Conveyance; Operate a Conveyance with Blood Alcohol level exceeding 80 mg/%; Flight from Police; Drive while unauthorized; andTransport Liquor in an Open Container.

In addition, Verkerk was subject to provincial sanctions for Impaired Operation of a Motor vehicle and his vehicle was seized for 30 days.

 Verkek was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Drumheller on Jan. 19 to answer to the charges.

Staff Sergeant Robert Harms of the Drumheller Detachment stated, “The persistence of our officers combined with members of the public coming forward contributed to the removal of an impaired and dangerous driver from our roadways. RCMP will continue to intervene with impaired drivers to keep our communities and roadways safe.”