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 Traffic Unit school zone patrol leads to charges

October 8, 2026
TB26040506 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit patrol has resulted in a stunt driving charge. On October 7, 2026, an officer was driving in the Rosslyn Road area around 2:30 PM when they located a vehicle travelling 89km per hour in a 40km per hour school zone. The driver was stopped and was charged with: • Speeding (HTA) • Stunt Driving (HTA) The driver is facing a 30-day licence suspension, and their vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.

Police locate and arrest assault suspect

October 8, 2026
TB26040420 One person faces multiple charges after attempting to flee arrest following an overnight assault. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address in the area of Simpson and Bethune streets just after midnight on Wednesday, October 7, after receiving a report of an assault. Responding officers learned that two males became involved in a verbal altercation, which led to a physical assault. Officers located a male matching the suspect description in the area of May and Donald streets about 45 minutes later. The suspect attempted to flee from officers but was arrested and taken into custody. Paul ASH, 32, is charged with the following: • Assault Causing Bodily Harm • Resisting Police • Failure to Comply with Probation Order • Failure to Comply with Release Order The accused was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance date.