A late-night burger run that turned into a 35-minute road trip and a 911 call ended with far more than disappointment for a central Alberta man. The incident occurred shortly after 4 a.m. on April 19, when Red Deer RCMP responded to a man requesting officers' help at a downtown fast-food restaurant.
Hungry driver's complaint
The man told police he had driven 35 minutes for a burger but was being asked to leave by staff despite, in his view, doing nothing wrong. When officers arrived, they found the man and his vehicle in the parking lot, no burger in hand but still hopeful. He admitted he had been drinking but had stayed for the officers because he still really wanted to buy a burger.
Restaurant's explanation
Restaurant staff had a simpler explanation: the system was down, and no orders were being taken, regardless of how far someone had driven or how strong the craving.
Police investigation
Police determined the man had been the driver. After observing signs of intoxication, officers demanded a breath sample, which the man refused. That decision proved costlier than any combo meal. The 38-year-old Sylvan Lake resident was issued an Immediate Roadside Sanction (IRS) Fail and had his vehicle seized under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act.
In a statement, RCMP reminded drivers that even the most determined fast-food run is not worth the risk. "Plan ahead and arrange a designated driver if you have consumed alcohol or other intoxicating substances," police said. "There is no room on our roads for impaired drivers."
As for the burger, it remains unclear whether the man ever got one, but the trip will likely be remembered for everything else on the menu.
