TWO FLEE BOWEN ROAD CRASH

Photo contributed: Nanaimo RCMP

Crash puts resident out of house

A homeowner was abruptly awakened late Monday night after a car driving southbound along Bowen Road crashed into the front of her home. The 32 year old homeowner was not injured although the vehicle caused major structural damage to her residence and surrounding yard. A 23 year old male driver was arrested at the scene for impaired driving and when officers arrived, he was still behind the wheel of his vehicle attempting to reverse out of the yard. The crash occurred at approximately 11:25 pm on Monday August 21 and took place at the intersection of Ashlar and Bowen Road.

Officers responded along with City of Nanaimo Fire and Rescue to reports of the crash which resulted in a newer model black SUV driving through a fence and the main supporting wall of the home. Officers learned there were two passengers in the vehicle that fled prior to police arriving.

The homeowner was offered short term accommodations through the City of Nanaimo Emergency Services but declined the offer after a nearby neighbour stepped up and took her in for the evening. The male driver later provided two breath tests at the Nanaimo RCMP Detachment with both being over the legal limit. As a result he was served with a Promise to Appear with police recommending charges of Impaired Driving. The 23 year old was also issued with a violation ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act for driving without a valid driver's license.

"Investigators would like to speak with the two passengers who fled to ensure they were not injured and to learn their version of events," said Constable Gary O'Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP. If anyone has information on the identity of the passengers please contact the Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345. If you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at www.nanaimocrimestoppers.com, text 274637, keyword Nanaimo or call 1-800-222-8477.