An off-duty RCMP officer in Chilliwack is facing a possible impaired driving charge after he was involved in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning, RCMP Inspector Tim Shields confirmed Thursday.
He said the off-duty constable was driving his own vehicle when he lost control and drove into a ditch on Yale Road East near Latimer Road at about 1:50 a.m.
There were no injuries.
Shields said he could not disclose details of the accident, or breathalyzer test results, because those might become evidence in possible criminal proceedings.
A police investigation is under way, but a report to Crown counsel has not been completed, he said.
Based on that report, the Crown will decide if an impaired driving charge is warranted.
Shields said the officer was given an Immediate Roadside Prohibition against driving for 90 days, and his vehicle seized for 30 days, as required by provincial legislation.
He said the officer, a three-year member of the RCMP, was placed on administrative duties while an internal Code of Conduct investigation is made.
He said the penalties the officer faces as a result of that investigation range from a written reprimand and loss of 10 days pay, to dismissal from the RCMP.
rfreeman@theprogress.com