Thunder Bay police respond to Dawson Road complaint; possible penalties upon conviction outlined

THUNDER BAY — One person faces impaired driving charges and a second is charged after allegedly assaulting officers during an arrest on Monday, September 8.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the Dawson Road and Strand Avenue area shortly after 8:45 p.m. following reports of a possibly impaired motorcyclist causing a disturbance in nearby parking lots. Officers located the suspect, observed signs of impairment, and moved to make an arrest.

Police allege that, during the arrest, an adult female bystander interfered with officers, punching one officer and biting another while resisting. The male driver, who had been handcuffed, allegedly attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.

Charges

• Christian WOO, 21 — Impaired Operation of a Vehicle, Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), Resisting Peace Officer, Failure to Comply with a Probation Order.

• Isabella BOULANGER, 18 — Assault Peace Officer (×2), Obstruct Peace Officer.

Both accused appeared in court Tuesday and were released with conditions and future appearance dates. All charges have not been proven in court.

Potential Penalties on Conviction (General Guidance)

Impaired Operation (Criminal Code s.320.14 & s.320.19):

• For a first offence (no injury/death): mandatory minimum $1,000 fine, with higher minimums tied to BAC ($1,500 at 120–159 mg, $2,000 at 160 mg+). Maximum penalty up to 10 years’ imprisonment (indictable). Courts must also impose a driving prohibition of 1–3 years for a first offence (longer for subsequent offences).

Ontario licensing consequences (on conviction):

• Separate from the Criminal Code sentence, Ontario can impose at least a 1-year driver’s licence suspension, education/treatment (Back on Track) and ignition interlock requirements, with program variations available under provincial Ignition Interlock and Reduced Suspension programs. (Exact sanctions depend on prior record and program eligibility.)

Assault Peace Officer (s.270):

• Hybrid offence: up to 5 years’ imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment; up to 2 years less a day on summary conviction.

Resist/Obstruct Peace Officer (s.129):

• Hybrid offence: up to 2 years’ imprisonment on indictment; summary conviction also available.

Failure to Comply with a Probation Order (s.733.1):

• Hybrid offence: up to 4 years’ imprisonment on indictment; summary conviction also available.

Note: Sentences are set by the court and depend on the facts, prior records, and elections by the Crown. Provincial administrative penalties (licensing) are separate from Criminal Code penalties. All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.