Police arrest impaired driver of unsafe vehicle

April 23, 2025

A Thunder Bay man faces several charges after being arrested for impaired driving and operating a vehicle that had multiple safety deficiencies.

A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit officer was on patrol on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 22, on Balmoral Street and observed a vehicle that was believed to be operated by a suspended driver. The officer initiated a traffic stop and spoke to the driver of the vehicle.

 

Upon speaking to the driver, the officer observed multiple signs of impairment. The driver, who also had a separate outstanding impaired driving charge from March 31, was arrested and taken into custody.

 

The officer examined the vehicle and observed several unsafe elements, including that the box of the pickup truck was secured to the frame with ratchet straps, the driver's seat was not secured, and the front windshield was significantly damaged.

 

Adam David BABOOLAL, 41, is charged with Impaired Operation of a Vehicle. The accused is also charged with several Highway Traffic Act offences, including Operating a Vehicle Without Insurance, Operating an Unsafe Vehicle, and Driving While Under Suspension.

 

The accused appeared in court on Wednesday and has been released with a future appearance date.


Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

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Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

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Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 17, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.