SASKATOON — A Saskatoon man had his vehicle impounded is facing several charges, including assaulting a police officer, in what began as an attempted traffic stop for distracted driving.
The Saskatoon Police Services says that at approximately 10 p.m., Aug. 16, a member of the Traffic Unit saw the male driver of an SUV using his cell phone while driving at 8th Street and Cumberland Avenue. A traffic stop was attempted, however, say police, the driver initially refused to stop. Police say he did pull over a few blocks away but refused to provide information to the officer and attempted to drive away again.
During the traffic stop, say police, the driver attempted to open his vehicle door, striking the officer in the face, causing a minor injury. A second officer arrived on scene and assisted in arresting the driver.
The 46-year-old man is now facing charges of:
- assaulting a peace officer;
- obstructing a peace officer;
- failing to stop;
- distracted driving, and;
- failing to produce a driver’s license.
The man's vehicle was also impounded for seven days.
In another incident, a 28-year-old Saskatoon man is facing charges following a traffic stop in a Saskatoon parking lot.
At approximately 10:40 p.m., Aug. 18, an SPS officer identified a Mitsubishi that had been reported stolen in a restaurant parking lot in the 2200 block of 22nd Street West. Police say a second officer arrived on scene and a high-risk traffic stop was conducted. Inside the vehicle police located an airsoft firearm, bear spray and 4.48 grams of cocaine.
The driver is now facing charges including:
- two counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace;
- two counts of carrying a concealed weapon, and;
- possession of cocaine.
He was also found to be breaching court conditions.
