Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act Charges Explained
Two Thunder Bay men face charges after a Highway 61 crash. Learn about the Criminal Code penalties they face
THUNDER BAY, ON – A motor vehicle collision on Highway 61 near Loch Lomond on January 30, 2025, has led to charges against two Thunder Bay residents. Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the incident at approximately 7:05 p.m., launching an investigation that resulted in one individual facing a Highway Traffic Act offence and another being charged under the Criminal Code of Canada.
Charges Laid in the Incident
As a result of the investigation, the following charges have been laid:
- Etan PERIARD, 19, of Thunder Bay has been charged under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act with:
- Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt
- Travis FRASER, 31, of Thunder Bay has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada with:
- Dangerous Operation
Both individuals have been released and are scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice to address their respective charges.
Understanding the Charges and Potential Penalties
1. Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform Stunt (Highway Traffic Act, Section 172)
This charge applies when a driver engages in aggressive or high-risk driving behaviour, including street racing, excessive speeding (50 km/h or more over the posted limit), or intentional loss of traction (e.g., burnouts, drifting).
Penalties upon conviction:
- Immediate 30-day roadside driver’s license suspension
- 14-day vehicle impoundment
- Minimum fine of $2,000, up to $10,000
- Possible jail time (up to six months)
- Demerit points and insurance consequences
2. Dangerous Operation (Criminal Code of Canada, Section 320.13)
This charge applies when a motor vehicle is operated in a manner that poses a significant risk to the public. The prosecution must prove that the driving behavior was a marked departure from what a reasonable driver would consider safe.
Penalties upon conviction:
- First offense (summary conviction):
- Maximum two years imprisonment
- Criminal record
- First offense (indictable conviction):
- Up to 10 years in prison
- If the offense causes bodily harm:
- Up to 14 years in prison
- If the offense causes death:
- Up to life imprisonment
Call for Public Assistance
Police are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact the Thunder Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), referencing police incident #E250123791.
The OPP remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users. The public is urged to report impaired, aggressive, or careless driving by calling 911 in emergencies or reporting non-urgent traffic complaints to 1-888-310-1122.
