THUNDER BAY — Police in Thunder Bay have issued a stark warning after a shocking incident last Friday night left officers deeply concerned about road safety in the area.

A 17-year-old youth with a G2 license was caught speeding at an alarming 97 km/h on High Street. This reckless behavior prompted Constable Tom Armstrong of the Thunder Bay Police Service to voice his concerns on social media, labeling the situation as “incredibly alarming.” “This one just had a recipe for disaster,” he stated, highlighting the serious risks that such actions pose not only to the driver but to everyone on the road.

Upon stopping the vehicle for stunt driving, officers discovered two other youths inside and open bottles of alcohol, escalating the gravity of the situation. The driver now faces multiple charges, including impaired operation of a motor vehicle and several other offenses that could carry significant legal repercussions.

Armstrong expressed relief that the outcome was not more tragic, saying, “This one just had tragedy written all over it...It could have gone wrong in so many ways, and there were so many poor decisions in this one. We're again fortunate that nothing catastrophic occurred.” This highlights the worrying trend of reckless behavior amongst young drivers, especially during festive times when alcohol consumption increases.

In a broader context, the Thunder Bay Police Service's Festive RIDE program has been actively targeting impaired drivers since Boxing Day, resulting in numerous charges against motorists. Just recently, officers apprehended a suspended driver with a G1 license, who was not only driving alone but also had his vehicle impounded. Another individual was stopped on Simpson Street while prohibited from driving due to a previous impaired driving conviction.

As the RIDE program continues through New Year's Day and into 2025, police urge the public to think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence. “I hope at some point in time, people wake up and start making smarter decisions...Follow the rules and keep themselves and everybody else on the road safe,” Constable Armstrong pleaded, emphasizing the importance of responsible driving during the holiday season and beyond.

With the increasing incidents of impaired driving, community members are encouraged to report any reckless behavior and look out for each other, particularly as we enter a new year filled with possibilities and challenges.