Ride program results in multiple charges

THUNDER BAY – Multiple drivers are facing various charges following a RIDE program in the city that was conducted last weekend. 

The Thunder Bay Police Service said that its members conducted the program in the early hours of Oct. 28 and that, as a result of the program, a male driver was arrested for impaired operation and 80-plus operation on St Paul St at 1 a.m.  

The driver’s vehicle was impounded for seven days, and his license was suspended for 90. He was later released on a future court date. 

Another driver was charged with stunt driving while leaving the downtown core. 

Police said that the male driver was stopped when police observed more occupants in the car than available seatbelts and that the vehicle was travelling over the posted speed limit.  

The vehicle was stopped on Fort William Rd and police said that the small SUV with five seatbelts had ten occupants inside. Three of those occupants were in the trunk area of the vehicle which led to the stunt driving charge. 

Police reported that there was so little room in the trunk area that the rear hatch was unable to latch. 

The vehicle was impounded for 14 days, and the driver’s license was suspended for 30.