The driver of a semi-tractor truck and trailer could be facing two charges of impaired driving after four parked vehicles were struck on Industrial Avenue in Port Coquitlam on Monday, Dec. 9.
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin of the BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) said the charges stem from a report around 3 p.m. that afternoon of a semi-trailer driving erratically on the Mary Hill Bypass.
By the time officers arrived, he said, the truck had hit the four vehicles.
“It is unbelievable that a professional driver would consider operating a vehicle of this size while impaired,” said McLaughlin in a news release.
He added police won’t name the 42-year-old driver from Surrey until his first court appearance, scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Port Coquitlam Provincial Court.
The charges being recommended include:
- impaired operation of a motor vehicle
- operating a conveyance with a blood alcohol level over 80mg/100ml
McLaughlin said the driver’s licence was immediately seized and he’s facing a 90-day driving prohibition. The truck was also impounded for 24 hours.
Meanwhile, a manager with the company that operates the semi-tractor trailer and truck has released a statement in response to the incident, noting it's complying with police in the investigation:
"The safety of the public, our drivers, and our clients is our utmost priority. We are deeply concerned and disheartened to learn of the incident involving one of our drivers on December 9, 2024, in Port Coquitlam.
"This driver, who has been employed with us since April 10, 2024, underwent rigorous screening at the time of hiring, including a drug test, a criminal record check, and a review of his driving abstract—all of which were clear. Upon his return to work after a leave of absence, we repeated these checks, and as of December 6, his records were clean, with no indication of any issues.
"We are shocked and disappointed by the allegations of impaired driving in connection with this incident. Such behaviour is unacceptable for a commercial driver, and we took immediate action to terminate the driver’s employment. We are cooperating fully with the BC Highway Patrol’s investigation and conducting our own internal review to understand how this could have occurred despite our preventative measures.
"As a company, we stand firmly against impaired driving and are committed to advocating for safer roads. We believe that more robust measures are necessary to prevent such incidents in the future. We strongly support implementing mandatory dashcams in commercial vehicles to monitor driver behaviour and enhance accountability.
"We recognize the seriousness of this situation and the impact it has on the community. We will provide further updates as more information becomes available and remain fully committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance within our operations."
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With files from Alanna Kelly, Glacier Media
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