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

November 20, 2025

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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.


Vehicle theft investigation leads to several charges

April 14, 2026
TB26013520, TB26013636, TB26013331, TB26013233, TB26013087, TB26012596, TB26013449, TB26012768, TB26008439, TB26600553, TB25600502 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple vehicle thefts has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit began the investigation on March 5, 2026, in response to encountering a stolen vehicle. Two suspects in the case fled from officers on more than one occasion during the investigation. Through the investigation, two suspects connected to the vehicle thefts were identified. On April 13, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Jeffrey BARNWELL from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Dangerous operation (four counts) • Flight from peace officer (four counts) • Operation while prohibited (four counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 • Theft under $5,000 (three counts) • Failure to comply with probation order (four counts) • Failure to comply with release order • Disobey court order • Cause disturbance • Assault with a weapon • Mischief under $5,000 Some of the accused’s charges relate to outstanding warrants. On April 14, 2026, following a police standoff in the Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue area, officers arrested a second suspect. Details regarding the second suspect will be released following their first court appearance.

Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative – Project Support

April 13, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is launching Project Support, a downtown core stabilization initiative. The project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement “Our approach starts with support. The goal is to meet people where they are, connect them with the right services, and reduce the risks they’re facing,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “This isn’t about penalizing poverty or addiction; it’s about improving safety in the downtown cores while focusing enforcement on the individuals who are taking advantage of vulnerable community members.” The initiative is operating in response to ongoing concerns from the business community and the public regarding open drug use, disorderly conduct, vandalism, aggressive behaviours, trespassing, and related impacts on safety, economic activity, and community confidence. This will be carried out through increased foot patrols. The project will begin on April 20, 2026, in downtown cores with patrols focused on: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas During patrols, the first step of contact will be a TBPS Social Navigator or Community Inclusion Team Coordinator offering referrals to appropriate services like housing, or addiction supports. Criminal enforcement is the last option and may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in share public spaces in downtown cores persist.

National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 13, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a week dedicated to honouring the essential work of 911 Operators and Dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact in emergencies. Throughout the week on social media, TBPS will be highlighting the critical role of its Communications Centre. This includes the proper use of 911 services, through a top 10 listing of interesting calls that were received in 2025. 911 Operators and Dispatchers are the first lifeline for people in crisis. When someone calls 911, communicators are the first voice they hear. They assess the situation, gather vital information, and dispatch police and fire services while providing calm, steady guidance during moments of fear, confusion, or danger. In the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre, every call is handled by a trained professional who listens carefully, asks the right questions, and coordinates emergency responses during fast‑moving, high‑risk situations. Their work is often unseen, but it is indispensable to public safety. “As Inspector overseeing our Communications Centre, I see firsthand that every call we receive represents someone’s worst moment and our communications professionals are the calm in that storm,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “They are the first lifeline, guiding both the public and our officers with precision, professionalism, and compassion. Their voice brings clarity in chaos, and their work saves lives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and excellence they demonstrate every single day.” The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to all 911 Communications Centre staff for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the community. Current career opportunities in our Communications Centre can be found here: Communication Operator - Temporary (POOL) | Thunder Bay Police Service |