Charges pending for driver who hit Yellowknife power pole

Police believe a driver who hit a power pole in Yellowknife with their truck in broad daylight was above the legal limit at the time.

Residents witnessed a blue truck hit a pole on Reservoir Road – by the Tommy Forrest ballpark – at around 11:30am on Thursday, with police and municipal enforcement officers on the scene soon afterward.

RCMP said no injuries were reported but charges are pending against the driver, who was not named.

Those pending charges are operation while impaired – which can apply to either alcohol or drug use – and operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of more than 80 mg per 100 ml of blood, which is a charge specific to drinking.

A downed power pole on Reservoir Road. Emelie Peacock/Cabin Radio

“The 41-year-old female driver was taken into custody as part of an impaired driving investigation,” RCMP confirmed. “At this time, no charges have been sworn, so no further information can be released. A court date of September 24 has been set.”

Images from the scene show a power pole lying demolished in front of the truck, which sustained significant damage to its hood.

“Yellowknife RCMP remind all motor vehicle drivers of the dangers and potentially serious consequences of operating a motor vehicle while impaired,” police said in a statement to Cabin Radio.

“Our message remains: do not drive while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription, illegal drugs, or a combination thereof. This applies to all licensed motor vehicles, including motorcycles, ATVs and, in the winter, snowmobiles.

“Protect yourself, your loved ones, and the motorists who share the road. Plan for a safe and sober ride home.”

Emelie Peacock contributed reporting.