Spring Into Enforcement project results in nearly 250 charges

May 8, 2025

A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit project has resulted in a total of nearly 250 charges.

Police conducted a two-day Spring Into Enforcement blitz throughout Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge on May 6-7, targeting a variety of problematic driving behaviours that are frequently factors in serious collisions and pose significant danger to the general public.

 

This enforcement activity resulted in a total of 247 charges under the Highway Traffic Act and the Ontario Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.

 

These included:

• 7 stunt drivers who were exceeding the speed limit by at least 40 kilometres per hour on roadways with posted limits of 50km/h or less.

• 151 speeding tickets, with the majority of these being at least 20km/h over the posted limit and occurring in primarily residential areas.

• 14 for failing to slow down or move over for emergency vehicle, which presents a safety risk for emergency services personnel and has been identified as an ongoing issue during previous traffic initiatives.

• 6 distracted driving

• 4 driving without insurance

• 1 vehicle removed from the roadway for being unfit

• 31 court summons for various offences

 

Of particular concern, one driver was arrested after being found travelling over 90km/h in a 50km/h zone on Balmoral Street prior to 8 a.m. The 40-year-old male driver has been charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, along with other Highway Traffic Act offences.

 

Police issued a three-day alcohol warn range licence suspension to another driver, who was also charged with stunt driving on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 50km/h.

 

In the first quarter of 2025, the Thunder Bay Police Service has seen an increase in high-speed motorists, particularly those considered stunt driving. Motorists found to be stunt driving (speeding by 40 km/h or more on a road with a posted speed limit less than 80km/h) are subject to a 14-day vehicle impoundment and 30-day licence suspension.

 

With the warmer weather, there is an increase in pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist traffic. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and a split second delay in reaction time due to excessive speed, inattention, or an unfit vehicle can have catastrophic consequences for other road users.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit is dedicated to maintaining road discipline and ensuring that all persons and pedestrians in the City of Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge are permitted to share roadways safely.

Update: Missing Person — Richard GRAHAM

May 28, 2026
TB24032007 Richard GRAHAM is no longer the subject of a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) missing person investigation. This is now a private family matter. The family has granted permission for TBPS to disclose that Richard was located deceased. Please remove his name and images from websites and social media pages. The family wants to extend their appreciation to everyone who was involved in the search efforts. No further information will be released at this time.

Statement from the Chief of Police

May 28, 2026
Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones facing the uncertainty and heartbreak of a missing persons investigation. I also recognize and sincerely appreciate the efforts of Indigenous searchers, community members, volunteers, Elders, and partner organizations who dedicated significant time and care to supporting recent searches. Recent comments made by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Fiddler do not accurately reflect the Thunder Bay Police Service’s efforts or commitment. Our priority remains, and always will be, to locate missing persons and provide answers to families. Our members work diligently—both on the front lines and behind the scenes—and we are grateful for the acknowledgments received from families directly involved. Investigators have been in regular communication with families throughout recent investigations, including multiple updates on a daily basis where appropriate. Families may choose whether or not to include NAN in those discussions. TBPS members hold and value positive relationships with Indigenous leaders and community members, including with employees and program coordinators working for NAN. It is unfortunate the recent comments do not reflect this. While we respect the role of NAN leadership in advocating for its members, inaccurate or incomplete information can undermine trust and impact the willingness of individuals to come forward with information. Some investigations remain ongoing, and information from the community continues to be critical to bring resolution to families. I urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. I also encourage NAN members in Thunder Bay to continue to contact police when they need assistance, wish to report someone missing, or have information to share. Similarly, MPP Sol Mamakwa’s recent statement at Queen’s Park is misled. The true crisis has long been identified: a serious shortage of social supports, housing, addictions and mental health services, and prevention initiatives that help address the root causes that place vulnerable people at risk. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort with community partners working collaboratively.  Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police Thunder Bay Police Service

Missing Person: Mary GAGNON, 63

May 27, 2026
TB26019537 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 63-year-old Mary GAGNON. Mary was last seen in the Lillie Street area on May 17, 2026. GAGNON is described as an indigenous female, standing 5’4”, with a heavy build, medium length black hair usually worn in a ponytail, and dark brown eyes. She also wears glasses with black frames. Mary was last seen wearing a pink jacket with black pants. She cannot walk so she utilizes a pink electric scooter. 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 .