Tesla window ‘dismantled’ by Mounties after driver refuses breathalyzer

The Mission RCMP shared this photo of a Tesla, along with a warning about one of the potential consequences of refusing to exit one's vehicle to provide a breath sample.

A man suspected of being impaired behind the wheel of his Tesla tried to evade a breathalyzer by rolling up his vehicle’s window, locking the doors and refusing to get out, according to Mounties.

The Mission RCMP posted a statement online Tuesday, describing the Canada Day incident.

“The officer approached the car and spoke with the driver, who was slow to respond, had an odour of liquor on his breath, and watery eyes. The officer formed suspicion that the driver was impaired by liquor, and issued a roadside breath demand to him,” Mounties said.

“The driver then rolled up his window, locked the doors, and refused to exit the vehicle.”

The driver reportedly employed this strategy for an “extended” period of time, which police said prompted them to advise the man he was under arrest for obstruction. Still, Mounties said he did not comply with their demand for a breath sample.

“Police dismantled and removed the driver’s window, unlocked the doors, and removed the driver from the vehicle, despite his efforts to bring the steering wheel with him,” the statement from the Mission RCMP said.

After failing two separate breath tests, the man was handed a 90-day driving ban. His Tesla was impounded for 30 days, and police noted he would also be on the hook for the cost of replacing the window.