OPP Thunder Bay Update: Impaired Operation & Dangerous Driving Charges Laid
(THUNDER BAY, ON) — On the early morning of September 20, 2025, at approximately 12:50 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a motor vehicle collision on Highway 11‑17 near John Street in the City of Thunder Bay.
An investigation revealed that one of the drivers had consumed alcohol.
That driver was arrested and transported to the detachment for further testing.
As a result, Rambert AJEI SHAW, age 28, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, is charged with the following offences:
Charges
Under the Criminal Code of Canada:
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Dangerous Operation
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This charge (s. 320.13(1)) applies when a person operates a conveyance (vehicle, vessel etc.) in a manner that is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances. Operation While Impaired — Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus)
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This refers to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 80 mg or more of alcohol per 100 mL of blood, or having a BAC that results in criminal liability.
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Operation While Impaired — Alcohol and Drugs
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This covers impaired operation due to alcohol and/or drugs, or combinations thereof, where offender’s ability to operate the vehicle is impaired. Also includes cases where within two hours after ceasing to drive, the BAC and/or blood drug concentration exceed regulated thresholds.
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Under the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario):
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Novice driver — BAC above zero
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In Ontario, novice drivers (those with graduated licences, e.g. G1, G2 stages) must maintain a blood alcohol concentration of zero when driving. Any alcohol in their system is a violation. Novice driver — Fail to surrender licence
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Novice drivers are required to surrender their licence when certain conditions are triggered (e.g. upon immediate roadside suspension from an alcohol‑related offence). Failure to surrender the licence as required is a separate offence under the HTA.
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The accused has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 22, 2025.
Potential Penalties Upon Conviction
Here’s what the law allows, depending on the charge, circumstance, and whether this is a first offence or not:
| Charge | Key Elements | Possible Penalties Upon Conviction* |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous Operation (Criminal Code s. 320.13(1)) | Operating a vehicle in a manner dangerous to the public. No bodily harm necessarily involved. | If tried summarily: up to 2 years less a day imprisonment; fine and/or probation may also apply.
If by indictment (more serious): up to 5 years imprisonment, possibly higher if bodily harm or death factored in. Also, a driving prohibition for a period. |
| Operation While Impaired / Over 80 / Alcohol & Drugs (Criminal Code s. 320.14) | Driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, or with a BAC over the legal limit, or combining alcohol and drugs. | First offence: minimum fine of $1,000, mandatory driving prohibition of at least 1 year, criminal record. More serious BAC levels increase minimum fines (e.g. $1,500 or $2,000 depending on how high BAC is) for first offences.
Subsequent offences: mandatory jail time (30 days for second offence, 120 days for third), longer driving prohibitions, risk of up to 10 years imprisonment depending on severity. |
| Novice driver — BAC above zero (HTA) | Any detectable alcohol in a novice driver (i.e. zero‑tolerance). | Penalties under HTA include licence suspension, fines (often between $60 and $500 for HTA violations for novice/young drivers) plus reinstatement fees. |
| Novice driver — failure to surrender licence (HTA) | Refusing or failing to hand over the licence when required by law, e.g. after roadside suspension. | Additional HTA penalty: suspension, potential cancellation, fines, and reinstatement conditions. The licence may be suspended for periods (30 days or more, depending on the specific HTA section and whether repeat violations) until surrendered. |
*Actual sentence depends on: prior convictions, BAC level, whether drugs involved, whether there was harm or aggravating factors, plea or trial, and discretion of the court.
Context & Implications for the Accused
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A Criminal Code conviction means a criminal record, which can affect employment, travel/immigration, insurance, and other civil aspects.
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Licence suspensions or prohibitions are not just for the immediate aftermath: with serious or repeat offences, driving privileges may be lost for years, possibly lifetime in extreme cases.
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Additional consequences can include mandatory participation in education or treatment programs, ignition interlock device requirements, and fees for reinstatement.
Impaired Driving Laws & Road Safety Reminder
The OPP emphasizes public safety on all of Ontario’s roadways. Impaired driving investigations rely not just on BAC, but on observing driving behaviour, sobriety tests, and following up with chemical testing. The community is reminded that zero‑tolerance rules apply for novice drivers in particular.
If you witness impaired or dangerous driving, or an accident that appears to involve alcohol or drugs, please call 911 in emergencies. For concerns about unsafe, aggressive or impaired driving in non‑emergency situations, call 1‑888‑310‑1122.
