Arrest highlights severe consequences of impaired driving in Ontario, from legal penalties to lasting stigma

THUNDER BAY – CRIME REPORT – A 45-year-old Thunder Bay man is facing multiple charges after being found unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle involved in an early-morning collision, an incident that also led to the discovery of suspected crack cocaine.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were called to a business in the 500 block of River Street just after 4 a.m. on Thursday, June 19. A vehicle had struck another in a drive-through lane and then fled the scene before officers arrived.

Police later located the suspect vehicle nearby and discovered the driver, Stephen Bruce APPEL, 45, unconscious in the driver’s seat.

Officers successfully revived the suspect and observed clear signs of impairment. The arrest also led to the seizure of suspected crack cocaine and a quantity of cash.

Appel was taken into custody and now faces the following charges:

• Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Failure to Stop After an Accident

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking

• Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000

He was later released with conditions and a scheduled future court appearance.

⚖️ Legal and Financial Consequences of Impaired Driving in Ontario

The case serves as a reminder of the serious repercussions of impaired driving in Ontario. A conviction can result in:

• Maximum fines of up to $10,000

• License suspensions of up to 10 years

• Jail terms of up to 10 years for serious offenses

• Vehicle impoundment and mandatory education or treatment programs

In addition to legal penalties, convicted drivers face substantial increases in auto insurance premiums, often rising by 100–300% or more. Some insurers may cancel coverage entirely, leaving drivers to pay premiums through high-risk providers.

🚫 The Long-Term Stigma

Beyond the courtroom and financial burdens, an impaired driving conviction carries a lasting social stigma. It can limit job opportunities, especially in fields involving driving or public trust, and create personal hardships in family and community relationships.

🛡️ A Call to Make Responsible Choices

With summer now in full swing, Thunder Bay Police are reminding residents to plan ahead, use designated drivers, or rely on ride-sharing and public transit to avoid impaired driving. The cost of one poor decision can be devastating—not just for drivers, but for everyone around them.