Thunder Bay R.I.D.E Program Leads to Impaired Driving Charges

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OPP Impaired Driving Alcohol Splash

Local Man Arrested During Early Morning R.I.D.E. Check on Huron Avenue

THUNDER BAY, ON – A R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) program conducted in the City of Thunder Bay has led to impaired driving charges.

On July 4, 2024, just before 1:30 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. program on Huron Avenue. During the program, a vehicle entered the checkpoint, and the driver was administered an alcohol screening device.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver, Darren Erickson, 54, of Thunder Bay, was impaired by alcohol. Erickson was subsequently arrested and taken to the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment for further testing.

Erickson has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

  • Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
  • Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on August 21, 2024.

The OPP remains committed to removing impaired drivers from Ontario roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1 to report it.

Drivers are reminded that the Mandatory Alcohol Screening law allows police with an approved alcohol screening device to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver without having reasonable suspicion of impairment.

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