(TIMMINS) The Timmins Police Service continues to respond to a concerning number of impaired driving incidents involving both alcohol and drugs throughout the month of May. Officers have investigated numerous incidents ranging from erratic driving complaints to impaired drivers stopped through proactive enforcement initiatives, including RIDE programs conducted during Canada Road Safety Week.
Police are reminding motorists that impaired driving remains one of the leading criminal causes of death and injury in Canada. Choosing to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs places not only the driver at risk, but passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists using our roadways.
On May 2,2026, Timmins Police responded to reports of an erratic driver in the parking lot of Hollinger Park. Upon police arrival, the accused approached officers and displayed clear signs of recent drug use while publicly consuming alcohol. The individual became increasingly erratic, resisted arrest, and assaulted a police officer before being taken into custody.
During the arrest, officers located fentanyl, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine in the accused’s possession. The accused’s vehicle was impounded for seven days and a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) was issued.
Michael BOUCHARD BLACK, 33, of Timmins, was charged with:
- Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs
- Failure or refusal to comply with demand
- Dangerous operation
- Resist Peace Officer
- Assault a Peace Officer
- Three counts of Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking
On May 3, 2026, at approximately 3:00 a.m., police received a complaint regarding a stumbling individual believed to be impaired entering a vehicle outside a hotel on Riverside Drive. Officers conducted a traffic stop near Riverside Drive and School Road. The accused provided a breath sample into an Approved Screening Device (ASD), which registered a “Fail,” indicating a blood alcohol concentration exceeding 100 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood.
The accused’s vehicle was impounded for seven days, their driver’s licence was seized, and a 90-day ADLS was issued.
Sarah JOLICOEUR, 28, of Kirkland Lake, was charged with:
- Dangerous Operation
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
On May 4, 2026, at approximately 1:39 a.m., police received a report of an impaired driver in the area of Sterling Avenue. Officers located the vehicle and the driver provided a sample into an ASD, which registered a “Fail.” The accused was arrested and transported to the Timmins Police Service for further testing but failed to provide suitable breath samples.
The accused’s driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and the vehicle was impounded for seven days.
David THEIBEAULT, 29, of Timmins, was charged with:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Failure or Refusal to Comply with Demand
On May 16, 2026, shortly before 11:00 p.m., a driver entered a R.I.D.E. checkpoint located at Algonquin Boulevard East and Father Costello Drive. Officers observed signs of impairment and conducted a Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), which the accused performed poorly on.
The accused was arrested and later underwent a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE), where it was determined the accused was impaired by drugs. Blood samples were obtained at the hospital.
James DUBUC, 20, of Timmins, was charged with:
- Operating While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Concentration
The accused was released by way of Undertaking with a court date of June 30, 2026.
On May 19, 2026, at approximately 10:28 a.m., Timmins Police received a report of an impaired driver. Officers located the vehicle and the accused, who displayed clear signs of impairment. The accused resisted arrest and was brought under control by the officer.
The accused was transported to the police station for a Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE), which confirmed impairment by drugs. Blood samples were obtained at the hospital.
The vehicle was impounded for seven days, a 90-day driver’s licence suspension was issued, and the driver’s licence was seized.
As the information has not yet been sworn before the court, the identity of the accused cannot be released at this time. Charges include:
- Operating While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Drug Concentration
- Resist Peace Officer
On May 19, 2026, at approximately 5:22 p.m., police received a complaint regarding a driver swerving across Riverside Drive. Officers located the vehicle and observed signs of impairment. The accused performed poorly on Standard Field Sobriety Testing and was arrested.
A subsequent Drug Recognition Evaluation indicated impairment by drugs, and blood samples were obtained at the hospital. The accused’s vehicle was impounded for seven days and a 90-day driver’s licence suspension was issued.
- Operate Motor Vehicle While Impaired
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Drug Concentration
- Dangerous Operation
On May 22, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Timmins Police responded to a single motor vehicle collision in the area of Shirley Street North. The vehicle, which was towing a trailer carrying a pontoon boat, reportedly lost control after taking a corner too quickly.
Officers approached the accused and observed signs of impairment as well as an open bottle of alcohol in the front seat of the vehicle. The accused was read the ASD demand and provided a breath sample, which registered a “Fail.” The accused was arrested and transported to the station to provide breath samples to an Intoxilyzer 9000 Technician.
The accused’s driver’s licence was seized, the vehicle was impounded for seven days, and a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension was issued.
As the information has not yet been sworn before the court, the identity of the accused cannot be released at this time. Charges include:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
- Dangerous Operation
On May 23, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m., Timmins Police received a complaint regarding an impaired driver in the area of Mountjoy Street South. The complainant reported the vehicle was swerving across the roadway and had nearly collided with another motorist.
Officers located the vehicle and observed signs of impairment. The accused was asked to provide a breath sample into an Approved Screening Device, which registered a “Fail.” The accused was arrested and transported to the station to provide breath samples to an Intoxilyzer 9000 Technician.
The accused’s driver’s licence was seized and a 90-day Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension was issued.
As the information has not yet been sworn before the court, the identity of the accused cannot be released at this time. Charges include:
- Operation While Impaired – Alcohol and Drugs
- Operation While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 Plus)
Additionally, on May 21, 2026, officers from the Traffic Unit conducted a traffic stop with assistance from patrol officers after observing a vehicle travelling on Kamiskotia Road with an unauthorized licence plate. The investigation revealed the driver was prohibited from driving and showed signs of impairment by drugs. Police also seized suspected controlled substances during the investigation.
The driver was arrested and charged with impaired driving and drug possession-related offences. The vehicle was towed and impounded.
During a RIDE program conducted on May 16, 2026, officers checked approximately 150 vehicles. Approximately 60 Approved Screening Device demands were administered. One driver was arrested for impaired operation by drugs, two drivers received seven-day licence suspensions for registering blood alcohol concentrations above 50 mg, and another driver was charged for breaching probation conditions related to alcohol consumption.
The Timmins Police Service would like to remind the public that impaired driving carries significant criminal, financial, and personal consequences. Drivers charged with impaired operation may face immediate roadside suspensions, vehicle impoundments, criminal charges, substantial fines, mandatory education programs, increased insurance costs, driving prohibitions, and potential incarceration.
Most importantly, impaired driving decisions can permanently alter lives within seconds.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers immediately. If you observe a driver who appears to be impaired by alcohol or drugs, contact the Timmins Police Service at 705-264-1201. Timely reporting can help prevent serious collisions, injuries, and loss of life.
Police continue to encourage residents to plan ahead, arrange for a sober ride, utilize designated drivers, taxis, rideshare services, or public transportation, and never get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
