Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign results in multiple charges

November 20, 2025

TB25045601, TB25045734

The Thunder Bay Police Service, along with law enforcement partners, has launched the 2025 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign. 


This year’s campaign has already been impactful. 


Just after midnight on November 19, while conducting R.I.D.E. enforcement, a TBPS officer observed a vehicle drive through a red light on Water Street and traveling at over 100 km per hour in a posted 60 km per hour zone. The driver failed to pull over for police. After colliding into a commercial building on James Street, the driver continued to drive erratically at high rates of speed. Officers deployed a spike belt, causing the vehicle to eventually come to a stop. 


Cruz PELLETIER, 29, of Thunder Bay, faces multiple charges, including:

• Flight from police x3

• Dangerous driving

• Stunt driving

• Failure to stop

• Obstructing police

• Impaired driving

• Breach of probation 


A passenger in the vehicle was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. 


Separately, during R.I.D.E. enforcement on November 20, TBPS officers encountered a stolen vehicle. While officers were placing the driver under arrest, the passenger moved into the driver’s seat and attempted to flee with the vehicle. 


The driver is charged with Impaired driving, Possession of stolen property, and Failure to comply. 

The passenger is charged with Impaired driving, Possession of stolen property, and Driving while prohibited. 


Results of Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign November 18 & 19: 


• 570+ vehicles checked at R.I.D.E. checkpoints

• 14 Criminal charges including Operation While Impaired x 3, Fail to Stop, Dangerous Operation, Possession of Controlled Substance, Stolen Vehicle, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, Drive While Prohibited, and Obstruct Police 

• 31 charges under the Highway Traffic Act/Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, including Driving while Suspended, Open Liquor in Vehicle x 2


Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service as well as partner enforcement agencies will continue to conduct Festive R.I.D.E. program enforcement throughout the City and surrounding area. 


The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign helps to keep our roads safe for everyone. The annual campaign promotes traffic enforcement and raises awareness about the many dangers associated with alcohol and drug-impaired driving. 


Background:


Driving while impaired by alcohol, other drugs or both remains a leading contributor to motor vehicle deaths and injuries in Canada. 


Although meaningful progress has been made, impaired drivers continue to present a significant risk to the safety of all road users. 


In the past, the term “impaired driving” was typically interpreted to mean impaired by alcohol. In recent years, however, drivers who use other drugs have become more prominent. 


Under section 320.14(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), it is an offence to operate or assist in the operation of a motor vehicle, vessel, aircraft, or railway equipment, whether it is in motion or not, while one’s ability to operate it is impaired to any degree by alcohol, a drug, or a combination of both. 


It is also an offence to operate such a conveyance with a blood alcohol concentration equal to or exceeding 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (80 mg/100 mL). 


Under section 320.15 of the Criminal Code of Canada (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46), it is an offence to fail or refuse, without a reasonable excuse, to comply with a lawful demand made by a peace officer to: 

• perform physical coordination tests, such as the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST); 

• undergo an evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to determine impairment by a drug or a combination of alcohol and a drug; or 

• provide a sample of breath, blood, urine, or oral fluid for analysis to determine alcohol or drug concentration. 


A refusal or failure to comply carries the same penalties as an impaired driving offence.


Impaired driving offences can result in severe sanctions, including fines, driving prohibitions, and incarceration.


Thunder Bay Police Service investigating homicide on city’s south end

March 5, 2026
TB26007891 The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a homicide on the city’s south end. Officers were dispatched to the Hall Place area on the evening of March 1, 2026. A deceased male was located. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking for security video or dashcam footage between February 22, 2026, and March 1, 2026, along Walsh Street East, between Edward Street South and Tarbutt Street South. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation, or who wishes to submit video footage, should contact Detective Constable Jason Bresele at jason.bresele@thunderbaypolice.ca Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

February 2026

March 3, 2026
This week, I had the opportunity to present at the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Seven Youth Inquest Continuity of Care Forum 2026. This year’s theme, “The Journey Continues: Ten Years of Healing, Supporting & Remembering,” honours the lives of Jethro Anderson, Reggie Bushie, Robyn Harper, Kyle Morriseau, Paul Panacheese, Curran Strang and Jordan Wabasse. While the history we acknowledge is difficult, hope lies in how we move forward — together. The voices of the Seven Fallen Feathers, their families, and their communities remain central to meaningful change, and that work depends on strong relationships. At the Thunder Bay Police Service, we have learned — and continue to learn — the importance of collaboration grounded in honesty and humility. Community safety is a shared responsibility. Through sustained partnerships with Indigenous leadership, organizations, and service providers, we are addressing both immediate safety concerns and root causes of crime. One example is our partnership with the Ontario Native Women’s Association in developing Thunder Bay’s Urban Indigenous Community Safety Plan — a collaboration centred on accountability, cultural awareness, and continuous improvement. Our Restorative Justice partnership with Nokiiwin Tribal Council and the Crown offers eligible Indigenous individuals the opportunity to take responsibility and participate in a healing circle involving victims, Elders, and community members. Agreements focus on repairing harm and addressing root causes. When successfully completed, charges may be withdrawn — balancing accountability with culturally grounded healing and victim support. Through Project Prevent, we provide interactive gang-recruitment avoidance education to about 2,500 youth annually in and around Thunder Bay. Our team travels to First Nations communities to deliver culturally responsive presentations, supporting students who may eventually live in larger communities to make informed choices before recruitment efforts take hold. School Resource Officers have been assigned full-time to Dennis Franklin Cromarty and Matawa Education since Fall 2024. Their work extends beyond enforcement and includes weekly collaboration with school leadership, safety orientations, education on rights during police interactions, presentations on drugs and online safety, and investigative support when required. These are just some examples of initiatives the Thunder Bay Police Service is engaged in, reflecting a sustained commitment to collaboration with Indigenous communities. We have fully addressed and reported on recommendations arising from the Broken Trust Report, the Independent Expert Panel review, and the Inquest into the Deaths of Seven First Nations Youths. More importantly, our continued actions demonstrate meaningful, lasting change. Progress is necessary — and it is happening through sincere partnership. I am grateful for the leadership and commitment of our many partners as we move forward together. 

Fraud Alert: Inheritance Scam

March 2, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about a mail based inheritance scam currently circulating in the community. The Economic Crime Unit has received reports of residents receiving letters that appear to come from an accounting firm. The letters claim that a relative has passed away and that the recipient may be entitled to a large inheritance. Individuals who respond are typically asked to provide personal information or advance fees under the false promise of receiving funds. These letters are fraudulent. Members of the public are advised not to contact the sender. For information about common frauds and how to protect yourself, visit the Thunder Bay Police Service’s fraud prevention resources at: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To file an online fraud or cybercrime report with the Thunder Bay Police Service, visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime