THUNDER BAY – NEWS – A graduation celebration has some students in hot water. The Ontario Provincial Police from the Thunder Bay Detachment are investigating reports of damage to a pair of front-end loaders which were in a gravel pit on Escape Lake Road.
The OPP report that when uniformed officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the party was a graduation event that included students from St. Ignatius High School in Thunder Bay.
When police arrived at the pit, there were approximately 200 youths on site. Upon speaking to some of the youths, it was revealed that it was a graduation gathering including students from St Ignatius School.
In a statement issued by the OPP, they report that Police Officers conducted a RIDE (Reduced Impairment Driving Everywhere) Checkstop on Escape Lake Road.
As the OPP investigated, they found two front-end loaders which were vandalized. Police report that the windows were smashed, and there was damage to the engines and interior of the cabs of the loaders.
The OPP report that they gathered the licence plate numbers of forty vehicles. Police will be contacting the owners of those vehicles as the investigation continues.
The OPP are becoming increasingly concerned regarding these gatherings. This is a second time in recent weeks that a ‘pit party’ has caused issues. A few weeks ago a lot of garbage and empty broken bottles were left at a beach.
OPP are concerned over the criminal behaviour that is happening, but foremost, the safety of those that are in attendance.
OPP are continuing their investigation into this incident. Anyone with information pertaining to this crime is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
