Impaired driver in custody after two near misses

May 24, 2026 | 12:54 PM

Peace Regional RCMP took an allegedly impaired driver into custody last week, after multiple reports of dangerous driving.

On Monday, May 15, Mounties say a Simons Lake resident was travelling from Peace River to Simons Lake, when they “crossed to the opposing side of the highway, forcing an oncoming driver to swerve into the ditch and near the tree line,” to avoid a collision.

Shortly after, Mounties say another motorist recognized the erratic driving and pulled over “out of safety concerns,” only to be side-swiped by the vehicle when it passed.

The suspected impaired driver then continued towards Simons Lake without stopping and ended up “lodged in a ditch,” in that community.

The driver then fled on foot but was apprehended by RCMP and had eight charges laid against them, aswell as charges “under Alberta’s Provincial Sanctions for impaired driving.”

Thirty-seven year old Sidney James Keyespapamatao of Simons Lake has a court date set for June 8, in Peace River.

RCMP are also using this opportunity to thank residents for reporting potential impaired drivers, as they “takes all reports of impaired driving seriously, ” and are thankful for residents “standing up against impaired driving in their community.”

If anyone sees any signs of impaired driving, they are encouraged to contact the Peace Regional detachment at 780-624-6611, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

by Tanner Smith