What Police Allege Happened
THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Police say a multi-vehicle collision investigation has resulted in numerous charges after officers on patrol in the Arthur Street area spotted a pickup truck travelling at more than 100 km/h on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Police allege the truck then drove at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, along with multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant. The vehicle reportedly came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign. The Traffic Unit joined the investigation.
Charges Laid
As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR. is facing charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, Highway Traffic Act, and Cannabis Control Act, police said.
Criminal Code charges:
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Operation while impaired — alcohol and drugs
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Dangerous operation
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Flight from peace officer
Highway Traffic Act / other provincial charges:
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Drive motor vehicle — perform stunt
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Disobey stop sign — fail to stop (three counts)
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Fail to surrender insurance card
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Driver fail to surrender licence
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Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle
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Fail to notify change of address
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Class G1 licence holder — unaccompanied by qualified driver
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Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available
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Person under 19 years — possess cannabis
What the Criminal Code Charges Mean
Operation while impaired (alcohol and/or drugs)
This charge generally alleges a person operated a vehicle while their ability to do so was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both. The Criminal Code also includes offences based on certain blood alcohol/drug concentrations within a prescribed time after driving.
Dangerous operation
“Dangerous operation” alleges the vehicle was driven in a manner that was dangerous to the public, considering all the circumstances (road, traffic, speed, conditions, and more).
Flight from a peace officer
This charge generally alleges a driver failed to stop as soon as reasonably possible while being pursued by a peace officer, without a reasonable excuse.
Potential penalties ]
Under the Criminal Code, impaired-operation offences can carry mandatory minimum penalties for a first offence (including a minimum fine), with escalating minimums for subsequent offences. Dangerous operation and flight from police are also serious offences that can be prosecuted either summarily or by indictment, with maximum penalties set in the Code. Sentencing depends on the facts of the case, prior record, and how the Crown proceeds.
Court Status
Police say the accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court at a future date. All charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
