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.

October 27, 2025
Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it. From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe. At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities. While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city. That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay. The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.  Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.
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