A man from the Siksika Reserve east of Calgary faces heavy fines and jail time after pleading guilty to operating a motor vehicle while impaired and prohibited, as well as obstructing a police officer.
Shane Red Gun (34) appeared in Ponoka provincial court Friday, Jan. 2 and was sentenced to 60 days in jail for driving while impaired, a consecutive 30 days for driving while prohibited, $1,200 in fines and a three year driving prohibition.
On Oct. 10 Red Gun was intercepted while travelling south on Highway 2 after being spotted on radar going at a speed of approximately 150 km/h.
Once pulled over, he identified himself as Yellowknife, failed a roadside blood alcohol level test and was arrested. At the Ponoka detachment, Red Gun waived his right to counsel and provided two breath samples at .13 and .14 before finally giving his proper identification. It was discovered that he was a suspended driver from a prohibition that had ended, but he had not taken the proper steps to get his license back.
Red Gun has a previous adult criminal record with similar offenses dating back 16 years.
At the time of the incident Red Gun was in the Maskwacis area with a friend who was initially driving but switched seats due to intoxication.
“The real concern is the quality of alcohol inside the passenger compartment,” said Crown Prosecutor R. Clark.
Red Gun claims he did not drink while in the vehicle and feels he was driving closer to 130 km/h.
Steadily employed with two children, Red Gun told the court an ignition interlock device would benefit him once he gets his license and vehicle back.
“I’d like to start this new year fresh and clean,” said Red Gun.
“I really want to get this dealt with and get on with my life,” he added, telling the court he hiked from Calgary to Ponoka Jan. 1 to attend his court date.
“What’s particularly sad in your case is you have small children,” said Judge B. Rosborough. “If you get behind the wheel, it may be you who takes the life of a small child.”
Jail time for police evader
A 34-year-old woman who evaded police through two counties and three municipalities was sentenced to five months in custody on Friday, Jan. 2.
On May 9, 2014, RCMP patrol at the Highway 2A and Highway 53 intersection noticed a white truck pull up beside a cruiser, stop halfway through the intersection, back up, then proceed through, heading south. Charlene Minshaw was driving.
The RCMP member turned on the vehicle’s flashing lights, causing the pickup to speed away. It swerved into the opposing lane, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision and forcing the RCMP to follow from afar.
Near Secondary Highway 604, the vehicle turned its headlights off.
The RCMP in Lacombe RCMP was made aware of the situation but could not stop the vehicle.
In Blackfalds, a spike belt was put down but it also failed to stop the truck, which stopped near the Blackfalds Boston Pizza. Minshaw and a man appeared 150 yards away and both were taken to the Ponoka RCMP detachment.
The court was told Minshaw was cooperative with police and told them the male had ordered to her flee from police because he was breaching conditions. He also informed her on how to avoid the spike belt.
Minshaw knew the truck was stolen, with a stolen license plate. Numerous items taken from two vehicles broken into in Ponoka were located in the truck.
The Crown felt it was appropriate for Minshaw to be detained as she made the choice to flee police.
Defense counsel told the court Minshaw was terrified of the man and believed he would get violent if she did not obey. Defense council requested she be released under recognizance.
However, she has failed to appear on the matter before.
“I do find the accused has failed to meet the onus cast upon her . . . I find her detention justified,” said Rosborough.
Along with five months of incarceration, Minshaw was handed a three-year driving prohibition.
The court was informed the man involved pled guilty to the non-driving related offense of theft of the motor vehicle and the license plate and breach of condition.