Impaired driver in stolen sedan collides with police cruiser

An impaired motorists struggling to stay in their lane struck a marked police cruiser on a busy southside roadway Thursday morning.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Branch were travelling northbound on Arthur Street just before 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 16 when they were struck by the motorist in a sedan who was also travelling northbound.

A traffic stop was conducted, at which point officers learned the sedan had been reported as stolen.

When officers approached the male driver, they observed several signs of impairment by drug.

The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters at 1200 Balmoral street for further evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

The DRE evaluation confirmed the suspect was impaired by drug.

A 33 year old Thunder Bay man is charged with:

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
• Fail to Comply with Probation Order

He remains in custody and is expected to appear for bail court today (Friday, March 17).

The Thunder Bay Police Service would like to remind the public that impaired motorists can be on local roadways at any time – morning, afternoon and night. This unfortunate fact is an important reminder to always drive with extra care and caution.

If you witness an incident of suspected impaired driving, please call 9-1-1.

We thank all motorists who continue to drive responsibly, sober, and distraction-free.