Mountie will be tried on impaired driving charges: RCMP

A North VancouverMountie was ordered to stand trial on two drunk driving chargesata recent court appearance, an RCMP spokeswoman said Friday.

Const. Annie Linteau released the information after media questions about the number of RCMP officers facing drunk driving chargesfollowing a fatal collision involving an off-duty Mountie in Delta, B.C., last weekend.

"Cpl. Darren Baker was stopped on Dec.15 in West Vancouver by members of the West Vancouver Police Department. While dealing with Cpl. Baker, they formed the opinion that his ability to drive a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol," Linteau told CBC News.

The vehicle wasbeing driven erratically by the off-duty officer, she said.

"The driver provided two samples of his breath and was served an appearance notice," Linteau said. "He has made a first court appearance. The matter is set for trial on Jan. 27, 2009."

Baker has been charged with impaired driving and driving with a blood alcohol level above .08.

Linteau said the RCMP also conducted a code of conduct investigation against Baker, who belonged to a schoolliaison unit, but has since been placed in administrative duties.He will face a disciplinary hearing on Feb. 25 and 26, she said.

2 other Lower Mainland cops accused of impaired driving

Following the fatal crash in Delta, Cpl. Benjamin Montgomery Robinson, 38, was given a breathalyzer and Delta policehave recommended he be charged with impaired driving causing death. He is scheduled to appear in provincial court on Jan. 15.

Last Saturday night, Orion Hutchinson, 21, was killed in the Delta community of Tsawwassen, when a Jeep collided with the motorcycle he was riding.

The driver of the Jeep left the scene, but shortly after the crash police arrested Robinson, a member of the RCMP's Vancouver 2010 integrated security unit, who was off duty at the time.

Afemale officer with the New Westminster Police Service is also facing a charge of impaired driving following a single-vehicle accident nearly two weeks ago in North Vancouver.

Const.Tomi Hamner, 47, was off duty on Oct. 18 and was driving an unmarked police vehicle when it struck a sign on Highway 1 near Westview Drive.

Hamner was released on a promise to appear in North Vancouver Provincial Court on Dec. 17.