A 33-year-old Smithers man is facing dangerous driving charges for allegedly forcing a police vehicle off the road before fleeing at high speed.
At about 6 p.m. on Nov. 12, Smithers RCMP received a call about a man who was slumped over the steering wheel of a white Toyota Camry parked in a driveway on Railway Ave.
A police officer was driving towards the scene when he saw a white Toyota vehicle swerve across the centre line onto the wrong side of the road.
The RCMP officer was allegedly forced to turn right into a ditch to avoid a collision. They attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver allegedly fled at high speed.
Police said the officer did not pursue the vehicle because a high-speed chase in the downtown area was a risk to public safety.
Jesse Thomas White was arrested on Nov. 18 and charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a police officer and breach of recognizance.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Smithers Provincial Court tomorrow.