NS Man Facing Stunt Driving Charges for Allegedly Reaching Speed of 248 km/h

NS Man Facing Stunt Driving Charges for Allegedly Reaching Speed of 248 km/h
An RCMP patch is seen on the shoulder of an officer in a file photo. (The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck)
Jennifer Cowan
4/30/2024
Updated:
4/30/2024
0:00

A 21-year-old Nova Scotia man is facing charges after an RCMP officer clocked a sports car driving 248 kilometres per hour—more than two times above the posted speed limit.

An officer conducting traffic enforcement in Timberlea, roughly 20 minutes east of Halifax, pulled over a BMW i8 on April 29 that was allegedly travelling 138 km/h above the 110 km/h speed limit on Highway 103, the RCMP said in a press release.

The late-night incident resulted in stunt driving charges, a $2,422 fine, and a seven-day driver’s licence suspension, police said, adding the driver’s vehicle was also towed.

“The RCMP is committed to reducing serious injuries and fatal collisions by prevention, education, and enforcement,” police said. “Remember, speeding and aggressive driving increases the risks of collision. Slow down and don’t be distracted.”

The incident occurred just one day after an RCMP officer was dragged by an impaired driver fleeing a traffic stop near New Harbour, N.L.

Officers stopped a car at the intersections of Routes 73 and 80, police said in an April 30 press release, adding that “a strong scent of burnt cannabis” was emanating from the vehicle.

The RCMP said the driver was told to turn off his vehicle but refused and allegedly took off, dragging the officer along the roadway.

“The officer was able to free himself and the vehicle continued to flee at a high rate of speed,” police said. “Another officer attempted to catch up to the car but it continued at a dangerous rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, the vehicle was not pursued.”

Police set up a roadblock and stopped the vehicle in Blaketown a short time later, arresting the driver. He was transported to Carbonear General Hospital where a sample of his blood was obtained for analysis, police said.

A 46-year-old man is facing flight from police, assaulting a police officer with a weapon, and dangerous driving charges in connection with the incident.  The man was released from custody on a number of conditions and a promise to appear in court at a later date.

“The investigation is continuing to determine if charges of impaired driving are appropriate,” police added.

The officer who was dragged by the vehicle has been treated and released from hospital.