THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Driving under the influence seems to continue to happen in Northern Ontario despite decades of public education on the issue. Both the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police continue to arrest and charge drivers for operation of their motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.

Thunder Bay Police have reported on several arrests over recent weeks.

Over the Labour Day weekend, impaired driving did not take a holiday in our city.

OPP Report on Impaired Driving Charges

On August 29, 2018, at approximately 10:04 pm, an officer from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a possible impaired driver on Highway 61, near Arthur Street.

The officer located the vehicle and while speaking with the driver, the officer determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and further tests were conducted.

Kayla BACHMANN, 23 years of age, from Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with:

-Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired contrary to section 253 (1)(a) of the Criminal Code,

-Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle with Over 80 mgs of Alcohol contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.

She is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 23, 2018, to answer to the charges.

On August 30, 2018, at approximately 6:39 pm, an officer from Thunder Bay OPP responded to several reports of a possible impaired driver that was eastbound on Highway 11/17, near Sunshine.

The officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the officer determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and further tests were conducted.

William SANDERSON, 66 years of age, from Thunder Bay was arrested and charged with:

-Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle contrary to section 249(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,

-Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle contrary to section 253(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,

-Operate a Motor Vehicle with Over 80 mgs of Alcohol contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.

He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 5, 2018, to answer to the charges

On September 1, 2018, at approximately 6:29 pm, a Highway Safety Division (HSD) officer was on patrol and conducted a traffic stop on Belrose Road in the City of Thunder Bay.

While speaking with the driver, the officer determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol. The driver was arrested and further tests were conducted.

Scott TOWLE, 19 years of age, from Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with:

-Care or Control of a Motor Vehicle with Over 80 mgs of Alcohol contrary to section 253(1)(b) of the Criminal Code.

He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 5, 2018, to answer to the charges.

Motorists who drive impaired by alcohol or drugs are subject to drivers licence suspensions, fines, vehicle impoundments, criminal records, and increased insurance costs.

Please drive responsibly and don’t drink and drive. The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.