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.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
TB26032479

Thunder Bay Police Service acquires ballistics lab for Forensic Identification Unit

August 19, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to announce the acquisition of a ballistics lab. The facility was developed to provide the Thunder Bay Police Service Forensic Identification (Ident) Unit with a dedicated, controlled space for firearms-related forensic work. The facility will allow trained Ident members to safely conduct test firing and recover bullets and other ballistic evidence for examination and comparison. The container was custom built locally by StrongBox Inc with ballistic safety panels which allows officers to conduct testing in the safest manner. The bullet recovery tank was purchased from Cyber National Inc out of the US which was recommended by the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences as one of the best options in North America and is certified to withstand shots up to .50 Caliber ammunition testing. Some of the main benefits include: • A dedicated and controlled environment for firearms testing and bullet recovery. • Improved efficiency by allowing this work to be completed locally rather than relying on outside facilities • Faster processing of firearms-related evidence and reduced delays in investigations • Improved ability to recover bullets in a condition suitable for subsequent forensic examination and comparison • Increased operational capability for the Forensic Identification Unit and support for major and firearms-related investigations The project was supported through Community Safety and Policing (CSP) grant funding, which assisted with the purchase of the bullet recovery system, and other equipment required to establish the facility.

Investigation update

August 18, 2026
TB26032479 Investigation update The Thunder Bay Police Service has updated an ongoing assault investigation to a sudden death investigation. Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1000 block of Dawson Road in the afternoon of August 15, 2026. A female was located and transported to a local hospital with injuries. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe there is no risk to public safety at this time. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.