THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of Balsam Street around 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, after reports of a driver unconscious behind the wheel. First responders advised police the man appeared intoxicated and was attempting to flee. Officers later found the vehicle unoccupied and stuck in the woods.
TBPS’s K9 Unit and a drone were deployed; a suspect was located near Balsam Street and Wardrope Avenue, arrested, and taken to the station.
Police say the man refused to comply with a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) demand.
Charges Laid
David James THOMPSON, 38, is charged with:
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Impaired Operation of a Conveyance (Criminal Code s.320.14(1))
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Failure/Refusal to Comply with Demand (Criminal Code s.320.15(1))
Police add there are additional provincial offences. All accused are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Potential Penalties on Conviction (Criminal Code of Canada)
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Impaired Operation / Refusal (basic, no injury): Hybrid offences with maximum penalties of up to 10 years on indictment, or up to 2 years less a day on summary conviction. Mandatory minimums:
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First offence: $1,000 fine (impaired/“Over 80”); $2,000 minimum fine for refusal.
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Second offence: 30 days’ jail minimum.
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Third/subsequent: 120 days’ jail minimum.
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High BAC first offences (if applicable): courts must impose at least $1,500 (BAC 120–159 mg%) or $2,000 (BAC ≥160 mg%) fines. Justice Laws
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Mandatory driving prohibition orders:
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First offence: 1–3 years (plus any jail time)
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Second offence: 2–10 years
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Subsequent: 3+ years
Ordered in addition to other penalties.
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Ontario Immediate Administrative Consequences
Separate from the court process, drivers in Ontario typically face:
90-day roadside licence suspension and 7-day vehicle impoundment following a fail/refusal, plus provincial penalties and fees.
About DRE Demands
Police may require a Drug Recognition Expert evaluation where drug impairment is suspected. Refusing can trigger a Criminal Code charge that carries penalties equal to or greater than impaired driving.
Court status: The accused appeared Wednesday and was remanded into custody with a future appearance date, TBPS says.
All accused are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
