Crash results in impaired, dangerous driving charges

August 5, 2025

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A 32-year-old man has been arrested for impaired driving for the second time in less than three weeks, with the most recent incident involving a single-vehicle crash where it's believed the driver had tried racing a train to a railway crossing.


Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the area of Crawford Avenue and Gore Street shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, after receiving multiple reports of a motor vehicle collision that had just occurred.


Information from witnesses indicated that the vehicle had been travelling at a high rate of speed towards the railway crossing where a train was approaching when it became airborne and the driver lost control, crashing into a utility pole.


The driver of the vehicle attempted to run from responding officers but was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. Officers observed multiple signs of impairment from the driver, and located open alcohol containers and paraphernalia consistent with drug use inside the vehicle. The licence plate attached to the vehicle had been stolen.


One of the three passengers in the vehicle sustained injuries that are considered serious but not life threatening.


Mitchell CHARLIE, 32, is charged with the following:

• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm

• Prohibited Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Resisting Arrest

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

• Breach of Probation

• Breach of Release Order


The accused also faces multiple Highway Traffic Act charges.


The accused appeared in court and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 18, 2025
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Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 17, 2025
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Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.