Driver faces impaired charge after morning collisions

August 25, 2025

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A driver was arrested after leaving the scene of a collision involving two parked vehicles, and then was found unconscious behind the wheel.


Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Kingsway shortly after 7 a.m. on Monday, August 25, after receiving a report of a motor vehicle collision.


Responding officers found that the a pickup truck had collided with two parked vehicles in the area before leaving prior to police arrival. Information provided by witnesses indicated there was a possibility that driver was impaired.


The suspect vehicle was located in a parking lot in the 600 block of Arthur Street West a short time later. The driver was unconscious inside the running vehicle.


The responding officers awoke the driver and observed signs of impairment, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug use inside the vehicle.


The driver was arrested, taken into custody, and transported to the police station for further assessment. While at the police station, the male refused to provide a blood sample.


A 47-year-old man is charged with the following:

• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Failure to Stop After Accident x2

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited

• Refusal to Comply with Demand


The accused was released from custody on an undertaking with a future court appearance date.

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Toy Drive delivers 13 full vehicles of toys, books, games, and more to families displaced by forest fires

July 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) congratulate the community for supporting a toy drive for children and families displaced by wildfires across the region. Thanks to the generosity of residents, families, local businesses and TBPS members, the Service has now delivered 13 fully packed vehicles of toys, books, games and comfort items to evacuees. These donations will help bring moments of joy to children and families experiencing significant disruption and uncertainty. “The kindness demonstrated by the people of Thunder Bay has been extraordinary,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “These contributions reflect a community that consistently steps forward to support others during difficult times.” In addition to individual donations, multiple local businesses made meaningful contributions. Local Tim Hortons locations, Tbaytel and Best Buy provided substantial support, and Gold X2 assisted with loading and delivering the donated items . The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to every person, family, business and organization that contributed to this effort. Your support has made a significant difference for families affected by the wildfires.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to second degree murder charges

July 20, 2026
TB26028209 A Thunder Bay Police Service Major Crime Unit investigation has resulted in second-degree murder charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a call for service regarding an assault in the Cumming Street area on the evening of July 18, 2026, around 11:00 PM. On scene a deceased individual was located. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 29-year-old Steven RAFFERTY of Thunder Bay and 61-year-old Warnock RAFFERTY of Thunder Bay have both been charged with Second Degree Murder. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. 

Thunder Bay Police Service Toy Drive now closed

July 20, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is once again expressing sincere gratitude to the community after a second surge of toy donations for children and families displaced by wildfires. Following the initial drop-off, residents, families, and TBPS members continued to bring in toys, games and books. The volume of items received over the past couple of days has grown substantially, exceeding expectations and TBPS is no longer accepting additional donations. The continued generosity shown by the people of Thunder Bay has been remarkable. These contributions will help bring comfort and moments of joy to families experiencing disruption and uncertainty. The Thunder Bay Police Service thanks every person, family, business and organization that contributed to this effort.