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 investigation leads to seizure of an estimated $380,000 in suspected illicit drugs, firearm

June 29, 2026
TB26024146 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs and a firearm. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a business on Memorial Avenue in response to a call for service regarding an individual who may have been in possession of a firearm. Further investigation and a search of the area led to a suspect being identified, located, and arrest. The Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a revolver style handgun, over 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and over $5,000 in cash. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Jasiah MCNICOLLS of Richmond Hill is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – (opioid) • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Missing Person: Leanne BARKMAN, 33

June 29, 2026
TB26024976 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Leanne BARKMAN. BARKMAN is described as an Indigenous female standing 5’ 4”, weighing roughly 160 lbs, with shoulder-length straight brown hair with blonde highlights, and brown eyes. Leanne usually wears black sunglasses. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a light grey tank top, and black short boots with heels. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to aggravated assault charges

June 26, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in aggravated assault charges. On June 24, 2026, officers responded to the Bay Street area in response to a report regarding an assault. On scene an injured male was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified, located, and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Biaggio DONOVAN from Thunder Bay and 32-year-old Marissa DOKUCHIE from Thunder Bay have both been charged with aggravated assault. DONOVAN is also facing a fail to comply with probation order charge. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.