Calgary police have laid a series of serious charges against a 41-year-old man after discovering him unconscious behind the wheel of a running truck that was blocking a key downtown intersection, an incident that officials say put numerous lives at risk.
A Dangerous Downtown Discovery
On Monday, December 15, 2025, officers responded to a concerning call at the intersection of Fifth Avenue S.W. and Ninth Street S.W. Witnesses reported that the driver of a black GMC Sierra was slumped over and unresponsive while the vehicle was still running in the intersection. Upon arrival, police confirmed the truck was operational with its brake lights illuminated. The situation was further complicated by a CTrain barrier that was resting on the truck's bed.
Officers first secured the vehicle to prevent it from lurching forward. Attempts to rouse the driver using sirens and loudspeakers proved unsuccessful. Fearing for the man's well-being, police made the decision to break the passenger-side window to gain entry. This action finally woke the driver, who was then safely removed from the vehicle.
A Cache of Contraband Uncovered
An immediate inspection of the truck's interior revealed open containers of alcohol and drug paraphernalia. Following the arrest, a subsequent search uncovered a significant haul of illegal items. Police reported finding:
- Approximately 30 grams of crystal methamphetamine.
- Approximately 30 grams of crack cocaine.
- Three nitrous oxide canisters.
- $540 in Canadian cash.
- A folding knife concealed in the driver's waistband.
The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is $5,100.
As a result, Cody Stephen Roderick Allen, 41, is now facing a multitude of charges. These include two counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, one count of impaired driving under the Criminal Code, and one count of carrying a concealed weapon. He also received summonses for driving an uninsured vehicle and for transporting liquor in an open container.
A Stark Reminder During Prevention Month
In a news release issued Wednesday, December 17, Calgary police emphasized the grave danger posed by the driver's actions. Traffic Section Inspector Rob Patterson stated the driver "put pedestrians, motorists and CTrain occupants at risk in a heavily populated area of our downtown." He added that had the driver's foot slipped from the brake, people "likely would have been hurt," calling the incident "entirely unacceptable."
The timing of the arrest serves as a grim reminder during Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Authorities highlighted that of the 36 fatal collisions recorded in Calgary so far in 2025, impairment by alcohol or drugs was a contributing factor in at least six of those tragedies.
Allen is scheduled to make his next court appearance on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Police say this case underscores their ongoing commitment to holding impaired drivers fully accountable under the law.
