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 Tip Line Closing March 31

March 24, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756 & TB26004039 A tip line (807 - 701 – 5417) established to assist with a criminal harassment investigation will close on March 31, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. The tip line was established in response to an investigation into a suspicious vehicle, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. Thank you to all those who have provided information to assist investigators. Officers with the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. Residents who have experienced similar incidents are asked to contact the tip line. Those providing tips must include their name and phone number when providing information to the dedicated tip line so that investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Gala raises over $68,000

March 20, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service announced today that a total of $68,502.50 was raised for two local charities through the Thunder Bay Police Service Inaugural Charity Gala.  On February 28, 2026, more than 270 guests came together for an evening dedicated to honouring the Service’s members and strengthening the bonds that unite the community, while raising money for two incredible local organizations - Special Olympics Thunder Bay and the Boys and Girls Club of Thunder Bay. “I am grateful to everyone who committed early to this vision, to the many businesses and community members who contributed, to everyone who attended, and to those who worked tirelessly to bring this event to life,” said Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury. “The men and women of the Thunder Bay Police Service deserve to be celebrated. This community deserves to be celebrated. And these two outstanding charitable organizations deserve support. Together, we are helping ensure they can carry their important work forward,” Fleury added. Albert Aiello, Chief Executive Officer, Boys and Girls Club - BGC Thunder Bay said, “These funds directly empower local youth—helping them build confidence, access opportunities, and succeed in our community. I extend my sincere thanks to the Thunder Bay Police Service for their incredible support through the charity gala.” Cody Jansma, President & CEO of Special Olympics Ontario, noted that the funds raised are critical to support local athletes in Thunder Bay compete in 19 official sports, year-round. “We sincerely thank Chief Fluery and the Thunder Bay Police Service for an impactful charity gala. Our relationship with TBPS goes back 30+ years and we are indebted to their past, present and future support of our athletes. Travel costs to competitions are rising and we couldn’t offer world-class sporting opportunities without fundraisers like this Gala. Thank you for being champions of acceptance and inclusion!” said Jansma. The Gala reflects the strength of our community and the power of partnership. The funds were raised through the generosity of sponsors including RBC, Motorola, Firedog Communications, and Acadia Broadcasting. A significant donation of artwork from the Estate of Norval Morrisseau enhanced fundraising efforts, as did contributions of auction items from several local businesses. As a result, two charities will receive more than $33,500 to help local children and youth reach their full potential. The Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to working alongside local organizations to create positive, lasting impact.

Charges laid following elder abuse investigation

March 16, 2026
TB25005649 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into elder abuse has resulted in charges. The investigation began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place on January 30, 2025 at a long-term care facility in Thunder Bay. An 86-year-old resident sustained injuries while in the care of a staff member. Additional unrelated and unreported injuries were later confirmed. No documentation of the injuries was located by officers. The victim died on March 06, 2025 as a result of the injuries. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigation identified the long-term care facility failed to take the reasonable steps to prevent any serious bodily harm or death to residents and attempted to delay and obstruct a police investigation. As a result of the investigation, Marina GILBERT, 52, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code. Furthermore, Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home has also been charged with: • Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code • Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information - particularly from the period of December 19, 2024 to March 6, 2025 - that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 317-0145. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/protecting-seniors