Brent Hillier Sr., a sergeant with the RCMP in Bay Roberts, has been charged with obstructing justice after a lengthy external investigation.

Hillier Sr. was reportedly on duty when he responded to a suspected impaired driving crash in June 2018 to find his son, Brent Hillier Jr., behind the wheel. A vehicle had crashed into a house on a narrow road in Upper Island Cove.

Police said Hillier Sr. handed off the investigation immediately after discovering it involved his son, but the homeowner had a different story.

He told CBC News he returned to his house that day to find Hillier Sr. in his driveway with his son and the car nowhere to be seen.

The officer is now facing charges of attempting to "obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice," as well as breaching public trust and allowing a driver to operate a motor vehicle without insurance.

Poles lay buckled where a fence once stood, and the siding and shutters are demolished on a house in Upper Island Cove. The driver who allegedly collided with the property is the son of the RCMP officer who was first on scene. (Eddy Kennedy/CBC)

Despite police repeatedly calling it a "suspected impaired driving incident," Hillier Jr. was never charged with impaired driving.

More than a month went by before he was charged with dangerous driving and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. Hillier Jr. is heading to trial June 24.

After the crash, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary took over the investigation into Hillier Sr., while he was placed on administrative duties. On Friday, police announced he was suspended with pay while facing charges.

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