Fort Smith RCMP have laid charges after a man allegedly tried to flee a traffic stop on foot early on Tuesday. Officers say they subsequently found drugs.
The driver, named by police 18-year-old Brayden Benwell, was said to have been arrested without incident a short distance away from the vehicle.
Police allege Benwell showed signs of alcohol impairment and provided breath samples above the legal limit.
After a search, RCMP say, officers found around 24 grams of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia and bear spray.
Benwell is facing charges including obstructing the course of justice, possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and driving without headlights, in addition to two impaired driving charges.
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The charges have not been proven in court.
Benwell was released by a judge to appear in court on February 17, 2026.
