Sheshatshiu RCMP respond to man passed out behind the wheel, impaired driver arrested

October 30, 2026 - Sheshatshiu, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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A driver was arrested by Sheshatshiu RCMP on Thursday morning, following a report received from a concerned resident about a person who appeared to be unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle.  

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. on October 29, Sheshatshiu RCMP responded to a report from a passerby who spotted an unknown male who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle on Matshateu Street. 

Police attended the scene and located the vehicle, with the driver inside. Police woke the man, who showed clear signs of impairment, and identified him as a prohibited driver. 

The driver was arrested without incident, and was provided a demand for a breath sample. The driver was uncooperative and was charged with failure or refusal to comply with a demand. 

A subsequent search of the man and the vehicle resulted in the location and seizure of an open container of alcohol, a quantity of cash, drug paraphernalia and bear spray. Police also confirmed that the vehicle was uninsured and was displaying licence plates belonging to another vehicle. 

Forty-five-year-old Roy William Russell of Sheshatshiu has been charged with:

• Operation while prohibited
• Operation while impaired 
• Failure or refusal to comply with a demand 
• Failure to comply with release order condition – two counts 
• Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing the possession is unauthorized – two counts
• Possession of property obtained by crime
• Weapons possession contrary to order and failure to surrender authorization – two counts 

Russell was held in police custody and is expected to appear in court today, October 30, 2026. 

His vehicle was seized and impounded, and his licence was further suspended.

Sheshatshiu RCMP thanks the passerby for their report to police and reminds anyone who witnesses crime or suspicious activity to record what you see, including licence plates of involved vehicles, descriptions of involved individuals and the date, time and location of the incident. 

As soon as possible, report this information directly to your local police detachment. RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-709-RCMP (7267). 

In an emergency, including any time you suspect someone of driving while impaired, please call 911.

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