Early Results Reveal High-Speed Chases, Stolen Vehicles, and Drug-Related Arrests in Thunder Bay
THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service has kicked off the 2025 Festive R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) campaign with a decisive start, logging over a dozen criminal charges and multiple driving violations in just the first weekend of enforcement.
High-Speed Incident Ends in Arrest
Just after midnight on November 19, a routine R.I.D.E. checkpoint escalated into a dangerous high-speed pursuit. Officers observed a vehicle speeding through a red light on Water Street at more than 100 km/h in a 60 km/h zone. The driver refused to stop, eventually crashing into a commercial building on James Street before continuing to flee.
The chase ended only after police deployed a spike belt. The driver, Cruz PELLETIER, 29, of Thunder Bay, was arrested and now faces numerous charges, including:
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Flight from police (x3)
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Dangerous and stunt driving
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Obstruction and failure to stop
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Impaired driving
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Breach of probation
A passenger in the vehicle was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Stolen Vehicle Incident on November 20
In a separate incident the following day, police encountered a stolen vehicle during another R.I.D.E. stop. As officers attempted to arrest the driver, the passenger slid into the driver’s seat and tried to flee.
Both individuals were arrested and face the following charges:
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Driver: Impaired driving, possession of stolen property, failure to comply
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Passenger: Impaired driving, possession of stolen property, driving while prohibited
Festive R.I.D.E. Campaign Statistics: November 18–19
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570+ vehicles checked at R.I.D.E. checkpoints
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14 criminal charges, including:
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Operation while impaired (x3)
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Dangerous operation
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Possession of controlled substance
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Possession of stolen property
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Obstruction
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Driving while prohibited
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31 Highway Traffic Act charges, including:
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Driving while suspended
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Open liquor in vehicle (x2)
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Ongoing Efforts to Keep Roads Safe
The Festive R.I.D.E. campaign will continue throughout the holiday season with increased checkpoints across Thunder Bay and the surrounding region. Law enforcement reminds the public that impaired driving—whether by alcohol, drugs, or both—continues to be a leading cause of injury and death on Canadian roads.
Legal Reminder: Impaired Driving in Canada
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, impaired driving includes:
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Operating a vehicle while affected by alcohol, drugs, or both
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Exceeding the legal blood alcohol concentration of 80 mg/100 mL
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Refusing to comply with sobriety testing, which carries the same penalties as impaired driving
Local Relevance
With holiday celebrations approaching, this campaign highlights the real dangers on local roads. Thunder Bay residents are urged to plan ahead, use designated drivers or ride services, and report suspected impaired driving.
