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Officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) laid multiple impaired driving charges this past weekend through proactive enforcement efforts on local roadways.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on Highway 11-17 between Oliver Road and the Harbour Expressway. It was suspected the driver was impaired and through investigation, Jordan MACK, 37 years old from Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
On Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers conducting a RIDE program on Highway 11-17 near Balsam Street formed reasonable suspicion that a driver passing through was intoxicated. An approved alcohol screening device was utilized and as a result, Bailey JACOBSEN, 28 years old from Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Liquor Licence and Control Act offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
On Sunday, August 9, 2026, shortly after 3:00 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on Hill Road near Kaministiquia. After speaking with the driver, officers formed reasonable suspicion the individual was intoxicated. An approved alcohol screening device was utilized and as a result, Emily SPENCER, 31 years old from Thunder Bay, was charged with the following Criminal Code and Highway Traffic Act offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Drive with seat belt assembly removed
- Follow too closely
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
On Monday, August 10, 2026, shortly before 1:00 a.m., officers conducting a RIDE program on Highway 11-17 near Balsam Street formed reasonable suspicion that a driver passing through was intoxicated. An approved alcohol screening device was utilized and as a result, Tyler VILJANEN, 36 years old from Thunder Bay, was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code and Liquor Licence and Control Act offences:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)
- Driving motor vehicle with liquor readily available
The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.
In addition to the charges these four individuals are facing, a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) and a seven-day vehicle impoundment was also initiated as per statute.
Officers also issued numerous provincial offence notices for seat belt compliance. Seat belts are designed to keep vehicle occupants securely positioned during a collision, significantly reducing the likelihood of being ejected from the vehicle or sustaining fatal injuries.
The Thunder Bay OPP reminds motorists that alcohol, drugs, and speed are a deadly combination. If you plan on consuming alcohol or drugs, arrange for a designated driver, call a taxi or rideshare, use public transit, or stay overnight. Any amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and reaction time, and poor decisions made in a split second can have tragic consequences. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
Thank you to all drivers and passengers who made safety a top priority this weekend by buckling up and choosing to not drink and drive.
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