Confusion ensues from Halston traffic stop

Mar 29, 2017 | 11:00 AM

KAMLOOPS — A routine traffic stop turned chaotic Tuesday night on Halston Ave.

An RCMP Southeast District Traffic Services officer pulled over a driver around 6:30 p.m., suspecting the man might be impaired. 

While he spoke with the driver and four passengers of the vehicle a second vehicle with two occupants stopped in the middle of the fast lane. 

The driver of the second vehicle began yelling that the occupants of the first vehicle had firearms. The people in the first vehicle then started yelling that it was the driver of the second vehicle who had the firearms.

During the yelling match a third vehicle ran into the back of the vehicle that was left unoccupied in the fast lane.

The officer called for immediate backup, and four other officers responded. 

After all parties were questioned, and the vehicles were searched, it was discovered that no one was carrying any guns.

RCMP believe the people in the first two vehicles knew each other, each assuming the other party had guns with them.

Both vehicles were allowed to carry on. However, the driver suspected of being impaired was given a 24 hour driving suspension.

There were no injuries in the collision.