Drunk driver eludes Natuashish police: RCMP

A drunken brawl broke out Thursday night in the Labrador community of Natuashish, as a man suspected of drunk driving escaped from police custody, the RCMP said.

Officers in Natuashish tried to pull over a truck around 9:30 p.m., after receiving a complaint about a drunk driver.

The truck was carrying as many as six passengers at the time, Sgt. Wayne Newell said.

"The truck sped off to evade police," Newell said in a statement, adding the driver "narrowly avoided a woman who was laying on the road in an intoxicated state."

A fight broke out after police eventually stopped the driver.

"One of the arresting members was hit on the back of the head. As the accused was being taken into custody, one of many agitated intoxicated persons in the crowd opened the police door permitting the accused to escape lawful custody," he said.

Newell said police, aided by members of the community fire department, have been unable to find the suspect, who is 22.

Newell said the force plans to lay charges of impaired driving, dangerous operation of a vehicle, resisting arrest and escaping lawful custody against the suspect.

The issue of alcohol abuse was brought to the fore in the Innu community earlier this week, when the newly elected chief said he would like see a community ban on alcohol lifted.

The RCMP have said the ban has helped lower crime in the coastal reserve.