A Prince George man is facing charges after apparently using his vehicle to push another off the highway.
Just before noon on Tuesday June 30, RCMP officers responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a two-vehicle collision and disturbance on Highway 97 at Houghtaling Road in Prince George. Witnesses reported that a car had “t-boned” a full size pickup and continued to push the truck across three lanes of highway and over the curb, leading to a physical fight between drivers.
Police were in the area and attended the scene immediately. The driver of the car was attempting to walk away from the scene, but was arrested soon after.
The investigation has led officers to believe that the incident is a result of a dispute between persons known to each other. Evidence and witness accounts indicate that the driver of the vehicle had deliberately crashed into the pickup and pushed it off the highway and up onto a curb. The truck was occupied by an adult male driver and an adult female passenger. A number of vehicles traveling on the highway at the time, had to abruptly brake to avoid being a part of the incident.
The BC Prosecution Service has approved a Criminal Code charge of dangerous driving against 39-year-old Brandon James Peters of Prince George. Peters was held overnight for virtual court, where he was released on strict conditions including no contact with the occupants of the other vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in court again on August 5.
In addition to the dangerous driving charge, a high-risk driving report will be forwarded to the Superintendent of Motor Vehicle for consideration of a driving licence prohibition. The Special Investigation Unit at ICBC will also be advised about the circumstances of this collision.
“This matter is still under investigation and further charges are possible,” said Cpl. Craig Douglass, spokesperson for the Prince George RCMP. “Our Municipal Traffic Services Section are seeking any witnesses or dash camera footage of the two vehicles operating prior to the collision. Anyone that can assist is asked to contact the Detachment at 250-561-3300.”
The drivers were not injured, however the female passenger received minor injuries. Drugs including alcohol are not believed to have been a factor in this incident. Traffic was effected for a number of hours as investigators gathered evidence and cleared the scene.
If you have any information about this Criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300.