Officers assaulted by bystander while arresting impaired driver

September 9, 2025

TB25036098 & TB25036105

One person faces impaired driving charges, and a second was arrested for assaulting officers, after police responded to an impaired driving complaint.


Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the area of Dawson Road and Strand Avenue shortly after 8:45 p.m. on Monday, September 8, after receiving a report of a driver who was possibly impaired.


Police received information that the driver was operating a motorcycle and causing a disturbance in parking lots in the area.


Officers located the suspect nearby. Officers spoke to the driver and observed signs of impairment.


While officers were attempting to arrest the male, an adult female bystander approached officers and began interfering. She punched one officer and then bit another while resisting arrest.


While handcuffed, the male attempted to resist and flee from custody but was quickly apprehended by officers.


Christian WOO, 21, is charged with Impaired Operation of a Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), Resisting Peace Officer, and Failure to Comply with a Probation Order.


Isabella BOULANGER, 18, is charged with Assault Peace Officer x2 and Obstruct Peace Officer.


Both accused individuals appeared in court on Tuesday and have been released with conditions and future appearance dates.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

March 2, 2026
TB26007891  A visible police presence is expected in the Hall Place area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on the evening of March 1, 2026. There is no threat to public safety. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided to media when they become available.

Crime against elders investigation leads to charges

February 27, 2026
TB26005390 A Thunder Bay resident is facing a manslaughter charge following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Investigation. On February 10, 2026, TBPS’ Crime Against Elders officer received information about an assault that took place on February 4, 2026, at an assisted living facility. A victim was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre on February 5, 2026. On February 18, 2026, the victim, an 81-year-old from Thunder Bay, died in hospital. As a result of the investigation, a 58-year-old Thunder Bay resident has been charged with Manslaughter. The accused has been released with an undertaking and a future court date.

Investigation into multi-vehicle collision leads to charges

February 19, 2026
TB26006283 A multi-vehicle collision in Thunder Bay has led to charges. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Arthur Street area on February 16, 2026, when they observed a pickup truck driving at over 100 kilometres per hour in a residential area. Officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign. The Traffic Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR, is facing the following charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Cannabis Control Act, and Criminal Code of Canada: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Dangerous operation • Flight from peace officer • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (three counts) • Fail to surrender insurance card • Driver fail to surrender licence • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle • Person under 19 years – possess cannabis • Fail to notify change of address • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available • Class G1 license holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.