(THUNDER BAY, ON) - On June 1st, 2025, the Armstrong and Thunder Bay Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in partnership with Conservation Officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), conducted a joint-enforcement R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative. The operation included mandatory alcohol screening (M.A.S.) and a fish and wildlife inspection station along Highway 527, located within the Unincorporated Territory of Thunder Bay.

The goal of the joint enforcement initiative was to educate both local residents and visiting tourists on road and hunting safety, as well as fishing and hunting regulations.

As part of the joint enforcement initiative, nearly 500 motor vehicles/vessels were inspected, and 80 drivers underwent roadside alcohol screening-with no impaired drivers detected. The following charges and warnings were issued:

MNR:

• 1 charge for possessing an overlimit of fish, contrary to section 16(a) of the Ontario Fishery Regulations 2007
• 2 warnings for taking aggregate without a permit, contrary to section 34(1)(a) of the Aggregate Resources Act
• 3 warnings for failing to remove plug from boat, contrary to section 14(2)(a) of Ontario Regulations 354/16, under the Invasive species Act
• 9 warnings were given for fish improperly skinned or packaged, contrary to section 39(1) of the Ontario Fishery Regulations 2007
• Additionally, 4 Black Bears were inspected

OPP:

• 1 charge for drive motor vehicle with speed measuring warning device, contrary to section 79(2) of the Highway Traffic Act
• 1 warning for possess more than one licence, contrary to section 35(1)(e) of the Highway Traffic Act
• 1 warning for drive motor vehicle, no validation on plate, contrary to section 7(1)(c) of the Highway Traffic Act
• 2 warnings for insecure load, contrary to section 111(2) of the Highway Traffic Act
• 2 warnings for draw trailer, no plate, contrary to section 7(4)(b) of the Highway Traffic Act

Additionally, one speed measuring device (radar detector) was seized from a Minnesota vehicle, and one male, Richard ELSEY, 61, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, was charged with the following:

• Operation while Prohibited

The accused was released at the scene; however, the vehicle was towed and impounded for 45 days. He is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 9, 2025.

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) are dedicated to safeguarding Ontario’s highways, waterways, fisheries and Crown land through collaborative enforcement and conservation efforts.