Alcohol a contributing factor into early morning crash into Merritt business early Saturday

Merritt RCMP are continuing their investigation into an early morning crash involving a truck and the front of a downtown Merritt business early Saturday morning.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Josh Roda confirmed to Q101 on Monday that alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash.

In a news release, Roda says that Merritt frontline officers were called to the incident at Stoyoma Dental Clinic, located at 2088 Quilchena Avenue, at approximately 2:23 a.m. on Saturday, after a truck drove through the front of the building.

Roda said the driver remained at the scene of the accident and detained for impaired driving. The driver subsequently provided a breath sample and registered a “fail” on an approved screening device.

As a result of the ‘fail’, the driver was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition, and the vehicle was towed and is impounded for 30-days.

“This incident underscores the importance of arranging a safe ride home when you choose to consume alcohol,” wrote Roda. “The driver is fortunate no one was injured.”

Despite the damage to the business, Stoyoma Dental Clinic reopened for business on Monday as usual. Those with appointments can use the front entrance.

Roda added that anyone with information who has not yet spoken with police is asked to contact the Merritt RCMP at 250-378-4262.