Skip to content

Police believe B.C. man's 21 drunk driving convictions most in Canadian history

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Police in Abbotsford, B.C., say a man who has been convicted of drunk driving 21 times could hold a Canadian record.
20231229191256-a7b03b2db8e78dc41c8003ff0bdf5eeaa57b7f19ff5f27af79a58f14b723afcc
The scene of a motorcycle accident in Abbotsford, B.C., is shown in this August 15, 2022 police handout photo. Police in Abbotsford, B.C., say a man who has been convicted of drunk driving 21 times could hold a Canadian record. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Abbotsford Police *MANDATORY CREDIT*

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. — Police in Abbotsford, B.C., say a man who has been convicted of drunk driving 21 times could hold a Canadian record. 

Abbotsford police say officers were called to the scene of a motorcycle crash in August 2022, where they found a person who was a passenger on the bike being treated for serious injuries. 

Police say the owner and driver of the motorcycle was known for his history of impaired driving, and tried to flee before officers arrived.

They say an investigation led to the arrest of 66-year-old Roy Heide, whose blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. 

Police say Heide pleaded guilty to multiple impaired driving infractions on Dec. 18, receiving a total jail sentence of just under five years, and he has now been convicted of impaired driving 21 times. 

Abbotsford police say it's believed to be the most convictions for impaired driving a person has received in Canadian history, warning of drinking and driving's "devastating consequences to innocent road users."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 29, 2023.

The Canadian Press

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks