A 35-year-old impaired driver has been arrested after he allegedly drove at high speeds along Highway 97.

A B.C. Highway Patrol RCMP officer was conducting traffic enforcement on Highway 97, Tuesday, Feb. 9 north of Vernon when a southbound vehicle passed him travelling at 161 km/h, according to the RCMP in a news release.

The officer activated his emergency equipment and attempted to stop the vehicle, but it didn't stop, accelerated and crossed the centre line of the road several times as it continued into Vernon.

The officer immediately discontinued his attempt to stop the vehicle and sent out a description of the vehicle to other patrol units in the area.

A police officer located the vehicle as it continued southbound on 32 Street through the city, according to the RCMP.

Vernon North Okanagan RCMP officers monitored the vehicle as it travelled through Vernon until it was in a safe location. An officer initiated a traffic stop and contained the vehicle, where the driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, was arrested without further incident, according to the RCMP.

"The dangerous actions of this individual posed a serious threat to the safety of our community," said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP. "Removing impaired drivers from our roadways remains a priority for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and our partners at the B.C. Highway Patrol North Okanagan."

The driver, a 35-year old man, was issued a 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition for failing to provide a breath sample, and faces potential charges of excessive speeding, drive without due care, and failing to stop for police. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

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