A man from British Columbia has been charged following an alarming incident in downtown Calgary. He was found unconscious behind the wheel of his truck, which was running at the time, causing significant disruption to CTrain service.
Incident Details
The event unfolded on Monday at the busy intersection of 5 Avenue and 9 Street SW. Calgary police received multiple reports of the driver, identified as Cody Stephen Roderick Allen, slumped over in his black GMC Sierra.
When officers arrived, they observed the truck with its brake lights activated. The vehicle was stationary but posed a potential danger to pedestrians and CTrain passengers due to its location.
Police Response
Upon approaching the vehicle, police determined that the driver was unresponsive. To prevent any further risks, they contained the vehicle, suspecting it was still in drive. Efforts to awaken Allen using sirens and loudspeakers were unsuccessful.
Concerns for the driver’s wellbeing led officers to break the passenger door window to enter the truck. Once inside, they discovered a variety of illegal items.
Charges Filed
The search revealed open alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia, including:
- A folding knife hidden in Allen’s waistband
- Crystal meth and crack cocaine
- Three nitrous oxide canisters
- Cash exceeding $500
The combined estimated street value of the seized drugs is approximately $5,100.
Implications of the Incident
Traffic Section Inspector Rob Patterson expressed grave concerns over the incident. He stated that Allen endangered numerous individuals in a heavily populated area.
Patterson highlighted the potential for injury had the driver lost control of the vehicle. He reassured the public that authorities would take strong action against impaired drivers.
Upcoming Court Appearance
Cody Stephen Roderick Allen, 41, from Kelowna, faces multiple charges including:
- Two counts of possession of drugs for trafficking
- One count of possession of property obtained by crime
- One count of impaired driving
- One count of carrying a concealed weapon
- A summons for driving without insurance
- A summons for transporting liquor in an open container
Allen is scheduled for court on January 14.
