Driver faces weapon, drunk-driving charges after 180 km/h ride on Vancouver Island road

An erratic driver who reached speeds of 180 kilometres an hour on Highway 14 in Langford resulted in so many 911 calls Thursday that it overwhelmed the dispatch centre.

Sooke RCMP is looking for witnesses who saw a red 2015 Jeep Wrangler speeding at about 1:20 p.m.

“So many calls were received on 911 it overwhelmed the South Island communication centre,” said Sooke RCMP detachment commander Staff Sgt. Jeffrey McArthur.

The Jeep was seen reaching speeds of 180 km/h and passing vehicles across the double solid line.

At the 5800-block of Sooke Road, the vehicle veered off the road, ran over a bench at a bus stop, hit a utility pole, knocked out a fence and severed trees. The Jeep ended up in a ravine.

The driver suffered minor injuries. The vehicle was demolished.

Police searched the area where the vehicle came to rest and found alcohol and a loaded handgun.

A 42-year-old Duncan man was treated at Victoria General Hospital for minor injuries.

He was then put in Sooke RCMP cells.

He is facing charges of possession of an unregistered restricted weapon, impaired driving, refusing to provide a breath sample and dangerous driving.

Sooke RCMP is asking that any witnesses call them at 250-6425241.

So many calls were received on 911 it overwhelmed the South Island communication centre. STAFF SGT. JEFFREY MCARTHUR, Sooke RCMP detachment commander