Agassiz driver refuses breathalyzer, gets roadside ban

AGASSIZ — Police in Agassiz tackled a number of files on the road last week, according to the detachment’s latest weekly round-up.

In one file, an officer pulled over a vehicle spotted travelling at inconsistent speeds with no lights on along Highway 9. The driver was asked to give a breath sample – which they refused despite the officer explaining the process nine separate times.

The driver received a 90-day roadside ban and had their vehicle seized for 30 days as a result.

Agassiz RCMP responded to a total of 93 calls for service from July 13 to 20, including a rescue operation and a report of “gunshots” that turned out to be something else.

Local search and rescue teams were paged to help police with an injured dirt biker stranded in a remote spot near Harrison Lake.

“The rugged terrain made rescue efforts difficult, and additional air support was provided by a second SAR team,” said Agassiz RCMP. “The man was successfully brought to safety later in the day and received medical treatment for his injuries.” 

The man is now said to be “in good health”.

Lastly, a resident reported sounds of gunshots near the Agassiz-Rosedale bridge, only for officers to conduct “extensive patrols” and find a vehicle with “a particularly enthusiastic backfire” when driving.

“Fortunately, there was no danger to the public, just a car that was apparently needing a tune up.”