Officers track down and arrest impaired driver

August 5, 2025

TB25030953

Police arrested a driver on several charges after a vehicle smashed into a tree in a north side residential neighbourhood.


Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Duke Street shortly after 1:15 p.m. on Monday, August 4, after receiving reports of a motor vehicle collision.


A single vehicle had crashed into a tree and sustained significant damage. The driver had exited the vehicle and left the scene prior to officer arrival.


Information from witnesses resulted in responding officers locating the driver. The driver was observed to be exhibiting multiple signs of impairment and provided officers with an identity that turned out to be false.


The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.


Rylan WAPOOSE, 25, is charged with the following:

• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Failure to Stop after Accident

• Public Mischief

• Obstruct Police

• Failure to Comply with Probation Order


The accused appeared in court on Tuesday and was released from custody with a future appearance date.

October 3, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to advise the public of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of residents who have been victimized by fraudulent residential rental scams. Residential rental scams happen when a person interested in renting a property believes they are communicating with the owner or landlord of an available property. The renter may be pressured into paying a deposit to view the property, or live elsewhere and be unable to view a property in person before agreeing to rent it. The renter pays a deposit, only to find that the property was never available for rent. The deposit – and the “landlord” - disappear. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is. Red flags to watch for include the landlord asking for cash only, a cash security deposit, or money to be wired. Tips Don’t send money to anyone you have not met in person and/or for property you have not seen in person. Ask for identification from anyone showing you the property and write down the licence plate if they arrive in a vehicle. Search for owner information in the Land Titles office to confirm you are dealing with the owner. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime