EDMONTON – The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) seized the vehicle of an alleged dangerous driver after the man behind the wheel was linked to several “road rage” incidents.
Police admit this is an unprecedented approach to getting a problem driver off the roads.
Members of the EPS’ Specialized Traffic Apprehension Team (STAT), in consultation with Alberta Justice Civil Forfeiture Office, seized the vehicle of an alleged dangerous driver under the Victims Restitution and Compensation Payment Act of Alberta.
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The officers took action after an alleged “road rage” incident in Edmonton on April 21, 2013 where the driver of one vehicle allegedly attempted to force another vehicle off the road and subsequently threatened the other driver.
“Civil forfeiture of a vehicle is an option to deal with a driver who poses a risk to public safety,” explains Superintendent Kevin Galvin, with EPS Operational Support Division. “This procedure has not previously been used in cases of this kind. However, in an effort to reduce violence and in this case the use of a vehicle in dangerous and violent behaviour on our roadways, the EPS is pursuing this avenue of investigation.”
Based upon continuing investigations and consultation with Alberta Justice, police were able to determine the accused posed a clear threat to public safety when he operated a motor vehicle. They also determined the likelihood of bodily harm made his vehicle subject to civil forfeiture action.
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