A man was arrested in Prince George, British Columbia, after police say he drove a child-sized pink “Barbie” Jeep down a main road to buy a Slurpee.
Kasper Lincoln was spotted on Sept. 5 operating the toy vehicle on 15th Avenue while a friend walked beside him, according to the CBC and police accounts. Several witnesses recorded the scene and an unmarked Royal Canadian Mounted Police cruiser subsequently pulled the vehicle over, authorities said.
Lincoln told media he had borrowed the small vehicle from his roommate’s child to make the convenience-store run because he “got lazy” and did not want to walk. He was seen wearing aviator sunglasses and later laughed during an interview, saying, “I never drove it before.”
Witness Summer Caron, who filmed Lincoln being handcuffed, questioned the police response, telling reporters she was surprised officers intervened since he was hugging the curb and traveling at a low speed. “You’re really arresting him for driving a kid’s Jeep?” she asked as footage circulated online.
Officers issued a traffic violation and learned during the stop that Lincoln’s driver’s licence was suspended. Police also suspected he was under the influence; two Breathalyzer tests administered at the scene subsequently confirmed intoxication, the CBC reported. Charges or formal impairment-related allegations have not been detailed by police in public reports.
Lincoln said the arresting officer treated him politely and remarked that the paperwork was extensive. He told reporters he plans to contest the ticket and is taking the incident in stride as the video has circulated widely on social media. He later urged others with a succinct admonition: “Don’t drink and drive.”
Legal experts noted that provincial rules in British Columbia can apply to small motorized devices when they are operated on roadways. "You are required to have a driver’s licence in British Columbia if you’re operating any motorized vehicle on the roadway," said Kyra Lee, a lawyer not involved in the case. "That includes Barbie cars, toy cars, electric skateboards — anything like that. It is required to have a licence and insurance."
The incident highlights how bystanders and social media can draw attention to unusual conduct on public streets and lead to law enforcement involvement. RCMP routinely enforce traffic and impaired-driving laws with the stated objective of public safety, and officers may detain drivers found to be operating vehicles while impaired or without a valid licence.
Police in Prince George did not immediately release detailed charging information or say whether further charges beyond the traffic ticket would be pursued. The matter remains under local review as Lincoln prepares to contest the citation.