A third B.C. Mountie in as many months has been arrested for impaired driving.
Members of the Vernon detachment found the officer sitting inside his parked vehicle around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, and arresting officers suspected he was getting ready to drive while impaired.
The officer, who is not being named, has been transferred to desk duties until a criminal investigation is completed.
Assistant RCMP Commissioner Al Macintyre said it's deeply disappointing to hear of another case of impaired driving in his ranks.
"This member will now face not only the criminal justice system, but also an internal RCMP Code of Conduct investigation where possible sanction range from loss of pay to dismissal from the force," he said in a statement.
The member will make his first court appearance in Vernon Feb. 4.
This latest arrest comes on the heels of several high-profile cases of impaired Mounties behind the wheel.
In early November, Vancouver police arrested a 55-year-old off-duty officer after witnessing the man urinate in a parking lot in Spanish Banks and then drive away. The 16-year veteran later failed a roadside breathalyzer test.
The same officer was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving Oct. 3 following a crash on the Second Narrows Bridge.
Two weeks ago, hordes of motorcycle enthusiasts rallied outside a Surrey courthouse because impaired driving charges were dropped against a Mountie who struck and killed a young rider.
Citing a lack of evidence, B.C.'s attorney general's office recommended a single charge of obstruction of justice against Cpl. Monty Robinson in connection with a fatal crash that killed 21-year-old Orion Hutchison in Tsawwassen last year.
Robinson, one of the officers involved of the fatal Taser incident against Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver's airport, admitted to going home and having a few drinks after the incident. His proceedings are being held over until Jan. 15.
