A speeding motorist gave RCMP officers more than a few anxious moments on the roads of West Prince during noon hour Wednesday, Jan 20.

At approximately 12:05 pm East Prince and West Prince RCMP officers received a complaint about a possible impaired driver travelling on the wrong side of the road at a high rate of speed.

The suspect vehicle, a brown 1997 Chevrolet Sunfire, was seen travelling west on Highway 2 near Coleman.

The vehicle’s driver failed to stop when signalled to do so by police.

RCMP officers then decided to break off their chase because of the risk to other motorists during heavy traffic.

“Every member wants to get their man, but public safety is No. 1,” said Cpl Dominique Clouthier, who was involved in the pursuit.

“We don’t want anyone injured.”

RCMP officers set up a perimeter in the area in an attempt to locate the Sunfire.

It was eventually spotted on Rte 142 near O’Leary, travelling in the opposite direction of the vehicle driven by Cpl Clouthier.

The West Prince RMCP officer had to swerve to the shoulder to avoid being struck by the Sunfire, which had crossed into his lane of traffic.

“My vehicle was pretty much in the ditch,” said Cpl Clouthier.

The Sunfire was then spotted turning into Gillis Road, in Portage.

It was Cpl Clouthier who arrested a 26-year-old Portage man, after the Sunfire was seen in a driveway of a residence.

The suspect will appear in provincial court in Summerside on March 3 to face four criminal charges.

They are impaired operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol reading in excess of 80 mgs, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and criminal flight (failure to stop for police).

The entire incident lasted approximately half an hour.