RCMP in Nain arrested 35-year-old Johnny Merkuratsuk-Harris for impaired operation of a snowmobile on February 13, 2021, and charged him with a number of offences.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m., Nain RCMP received a report of a suspected impaired driver on a snowmobile. Police patrolled and located the described vehicle and driver, Johnny Merkuratsuk-Harris, and attempted a traffic stop. Merkuratsuk-Harris failed to stop for police and ventured out onto the sea ice. He departed the snowmobile, which police later discovered was taken from the owner without consent, and took off on foot, climbing up a mountain. Officers pursued on foot and Merkuratsuk-Harris was taken into police custody. He was transported back to the detachment and provided breath samples above the legal limit.
Following court appearances yesterday and today, Merkuratsuk-Harris remains in custody and will attend court again tomorrow.
He is charged with the following criminal offences:
- Impaired driving
- Impaired driving having a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit (80 mgs%)
- Flight from police
- Taking a vehicle without consent and
- Failing to comply with a Probation Order.
Nain RCMP continues the enforcement of impaired drivers with four individuals charged with impaired driving offences since January 28, 2021. Police thank the community for continuing to report suspected impaired drivers.