Cat set free 'without charge' after entering VicPD vehicle during impaired-driving investigation
A Victoria police officer says a curious cat has been released without charges after it snuck into his police cruiser on Sunday morning.
The "unauthorized occupant in a patrol vehicle" entered the police car around 2 a.m., after the officer had pulled over a car.
Victoria police say the officer was in the James Bay area when they were flagged down by a driver.
The driver told the officer they were concerned about another car that was being driven erratically.
The officer found the vehicle and pulled it over in the 500-block of Kingston Street, where the driver showed signs of drug impairment, according to VicPD.
"So I pulled over a driver and while I'm talking to her this character here decided to jump into my car," the officer says in a video posted to social media Monday.
"Hey. Hey you, you can't just jump into my car," the officer says to the cat, which paces on his dashboard.
"Well, I guess you can," he concludes.
Police say the driver of the stopped vehicle initially started a sobriety test but then decided to stop part way through. The driver was issued a 24-hour driving ban and their vehicle was towed from the scene, police say.
Meanwhile, the friendly cat was allowed to go free "without charge," according to VicPD.
A community member tells CTV News that the cat appears to be a neighbourhood pet named Cazador that lives in the James Bay area and is sometimes spotted exploring shops and patios nearby.
Victoria police are reminding all residents to find a safe way home after a night out.
"If you are using drugs or alcohol, do not drive," said VicPD on Monday. "Take a taxi, use transit or plan for a designated driver."
"Even having your vehicle towed home is a safer and significantly cheaper alternative to an immediate roadside prohibition, criminal impaired driving charge or harming or killing someone."
Anyone who thinks they saw an impaired driver on the road is asked to call 911.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.