RCMP Arrests Snowmobiler on a Slew of Charges #nltraffic

RCMP in Nain have arrested 35-year-old Johnny Merkuratsuk-Harris for impaired operation of a snowmobile and charged him with a number of offences.

On Saturday afternoon police received a report of a suspected impaired driver on a snowmobile. When officers located the vehicle they attempted a traffic stop.

The accused failed to stop for police and ventured out onto the sea ice. He departed the snowmobile, which police later discovered was taken from the owner without consent, and took off on foot, climbing up a mountain.

Officers pursued on foot and Merkuratsuk-Harris was taken into police custody. He was transported back to the detachment and provided breath samples above the legal limit.

Following court appearances the accused remains in custody and will attend court again today.

He faces charges of impaired driving, impaired driving having a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit (80 mgs%), flight from police, taking a vehicle without consent and failing to comply with a Probation Order.