Impaired driver tries to obstruct police after collision in central Kingston

A Kingston man is facing charges after causing a multi-vehicle collision that involved no other drivers, and lying to police about what happened.

The incident occurred on the night of Saturday, Mar. 20, 2021 when, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Kingston Police were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Robert Wallace Drive near Runnymede Road in the Polson Park subdivision. Kingston Fire and Rescue also attended the scene.

Upon arrival, police observed extensive damages involving two vehicles and a tree. When questioned, the male driver of the white SUV involved in the collision attempted to obstruct police by “fabricating a story regarding how the collision occurred,” according to Const. Ash Gutheinz, Media Relations Officer for Kingston Police.

Guthienz said that the ensuing investigation determined that the male driver had struck a parked vehicle in a driveway on Runnymede Road – the other vehicle involved – and forced it into a tree. The accused man’s airbags had deployed from the impact, and both vehicles sustained major damages, particularly the parked vehicle. The black car the driver struck was driven into the tree with such force that nearly the entire front end of the vehicle was demolished.

Officers also made observations that the male driver was intoxicated, according to police. He was subsequently arrested at approximately 11:25 p.m., and police brought in a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Officer to administer tests. Those tests concluded that the man was impaired by a drug.

The 57-year-old local man was charged with obstructing a peace officer, and impaired operation of a conveyance (vehicle). His vehicle was towed and impounded, and he will be responsible for all related fees and fines.