News release

Clarenville RCMP responds to snowmobile crash, operator arrested for impaired operation

December 11, 2025 - Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

Content

Clarenville RCMP arrested a 33-year-old male driver Wednesday afternoon for impaired refusal and obstructing a police officer, after responding to a report of a crashed snowmobile.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. on December 10, 2025, police responded to the area of Manitoba Drive in Clarenville following a report that a snowmobile had veered off a trail and over a steep embankment. Firefighters, paramedics and police worked together to locate, medically assess and rescue the man.

The operator showed signs of impairment and refused to identify himself to police. He was provided with a demand for an alcohol screening test, but refused to provide a breath sample and was arrested for impaired refusal. The man’s licence was suspended and his snowmobile seized.

The operator was transported to The Dr. G.B. Cross Memorial Hospital in Clarenville as a precaution for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the crash.

The man is set to appear in court at a later date to face criminal charges of refusing to comply with a breath demand and resisting or obstructing a police officer. Under the Off-Road Vehicle Act he faces additional charges of operating an off-road vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and failing to provide required information to a peace officer on demand.

Refusing to comply with a demand issued as part of an impaired driving investigation is a criminal offence. If convicted, the penalties of refusal are the same as a conviction of impaired driving.

Impaired operation of any motor vehicle — including off-road and all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles — is a choice that unnecessarily places the driver and others at an increased, and unacceptable, level of risk. This holiday season, drive safe and drive sober. If you suspect an individual is driving while impaired, please immediately call your local police or 911 to make a report.

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