BC Highway Patrol is recommending two criminal charges of impaired driving after a semi-tractor that was towing a trailer hit four parked vehicles in Port Coquitlam.

The incident began on Monday (Dec. 9) just before 3 p.m., when BC Highway Patrol received a report of a semi-trailer driving erratically on the Mary Hill Bypass in Port Coquitlam, according to a BC Highway Patrol release.

Before police arrived, the semi-trailer hit four parked vehicles on Industrial Avenue.

鈥淏C Highway Patrol stopped and identified the driver thanks to an alert citizen who called police,鈥� said BC Highway Patrol Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. 鈥淚t is unbelievable that a professional driver would consider operating a vehicle of this size while impaired, and that鈥檚 why BC Highway Patrol is recommending criminal charges.鈥�

A 42-year-old Surrey man will not be named until his first court appearance in Port Coquitlam on March 12, 2025. The following charges are being recommended:

鈥� Impaired operation of a motor vehicle, section 320.14(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
鈥� Operating a conveyance with a blood alcohol level over 80 mgs/ 100 ml, section 320.14(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.

The release noted the driver is also facing a 90-day administrative driving prohibition and his B.C. driver's licence has been seized. The semi-tractor was impounded for 24 hours.