The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) continues to encounter low-speed vehicles on public roads.
Last weekend, a member of the Traffic Unit stopped two separate drivers of low-speed vehicles on public roads. The investigation revealed that the vehicles were uninsured and unregistered, and that one driver was unlicenced.
Both drivers were charged with failing to register and insure their low-speed vehicles.
TBPS reminds members of the community that low-speed vehicles are not allowed on public roadways or sidewalks in the city of Thunder Bay, and are subject to the rules of the Highway Traffic Act. This means low-speed vehicles are not an option for people who do not possess a valid Class G driver’s licence.
A low-speed vehicle is an electric, four-wheel vehicle that is smaller and lighter than a regular car and have a maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour. Although many have safety features, they not meet the same safety standards as conventional motor vehicles.
Category: Thunder Bay Police Service
Police are undertaking a new evidence search relating to a continuing investigation.
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service, with assistance from Ontario Provincial Police and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, will conduct a search for evidence beginning on Monday, September 22, at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of the homicide investigation into the death of Deborah Anishinabie. This will include a search for partial human remains. This effort follows previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year.
There is no threat to public safety.
The Thunder Bay Police Service offers its continued support to members of Deborah’s family and community and recognizes that this news will be troubling and may be traumatizing. There is a deeply emotional connection to this search and the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). Indigenous women and girls are more likely to go missing or to be murdered than non-Indigenous women and girls.
We encourage anyone affected or triggered by this development to access available support through family, Elders or community resources such as those listed below.
The police service has continued to work with and liaise with the family throughout the ongoing investigation and expresses appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their support.
Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided to media when they become available.
Support resources:
• Beendigen: Crisis Line: 807-346-HELP (4357) or 1-888-200-9997
• Thunder Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre: 807-345-5840 or 1-855-345-5840
• NAN Hope 1-844-NAN-HOPE (626-4673)
• Ontario Native Women’s Association: 1-800-667-0816
• Anishnawbe Mushkiki: Phone: 807-623-0383
• Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services: 807-684-1051
Previous media release:
https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/update-death-determined-to-be-homicide-accused-charged-with-murder
Four people face drug trafficking charges after police executed a series of warrants.
The Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit had been conducting an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity taking place in the city. As a result of that investigation, warrants were obtained and executed on Thursday, September 18.
Members of the Intelligence Unit located two suspects in a parking lot in the 700 block of Memorial Avenue. One of the suspects attempted to flee and destroy a cell phone in his possession. Both individuals were arrested and taken into custody.
Warrants were then executed an address on Cumberland Street North and at residences on Machar Avenue, Windsor Street, and Crossbow Street. Two additional suspects were arrested and taken into custody.
Through the investigation, police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, along with cash and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
The total estimated street value of the seized drugs is $116,000, while the amount of cash seized exceeds $15,000,
Amir ABDELRAHMAN, 61; of Brooks, AB., is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, and Obstruct a Peace Officer.
Maurice BARTLEY, 57, of Thunder Bay, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, and Breach of an Undertaking.
Ralston COLEY, 49, of Mississauga, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) and Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000.
Carin UPTON, 45, of Thunder Bay, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine) and Possession of a Schedule I substance (Fentanyl).
The accused individuals appeared in court on Friday and have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.
The Thunder Bay Police Service has responded to several calls relating to bears in recent weeks in areas throughout the city.
Here are some important things to remember:
- Do not feed bears.
- Keep food waste in secure containers.
- Keep a safe distance from bears.
- If you encounter a bear, slowly back away while keeping it in sight.
- If a bear is in a tree, do not surround it.
Not every bear encounter is an emergency.
Calls to police should be made in situations where a bear poses an immediate safety threat or is displaying aggressive or threatening behaviour.
For non-emergency encounters, call the Ministry of Natural Resource’s Bear Wise line at 1-866-514-2327.
More information about Bear Safety can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/…/prevent-bear-encounters-bear-wise
A southern Ontario man faces drug trafficking charges after an investigation resulted in the seizure of substantial amounts of suspected illicit substances.
An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit led to the identification of a suspect and a warrant being obtained.
The suspect was located and arrested by members of the Intelligence Unit on Wednesday, August 13, with assistance from the Thunder Bay Police Service BEAR Unit and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service Intelligence Unit.
Police seized nearly 2.3 kilograms of suspected cocaine, nearly 700 grams of methamphetamine, and more than 500 hydromorphone tablets, along with $19,000 in cash. The estimated street value of the seized drugs exceeds $200,000.
Quoc-Khanh TRUONG, 29, of Scarborough, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine), Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Opioid), and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5,000.
The accused appeared in court on Thursday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
Police have arrested a robbery suspect charged with four incidents at the same location this week.
Thunder Bay Police Service BEAR Unit officers were dispatched to the 300 block of May Street North shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, after receiving a report of a robbery that had just occurred.
Responding officers located a male who matched the suspect description within five minutes of receiving the call. The suspect was arrested after a brief attempt to run from officers.
The investigation found evidence that the same male was involved in a total of four incidents at the same location between Tuesday, August 12, and Thursday, August 14.
Kevin BROWN, 24, is charged with Robbery x3 and Theft Under $5,000.
The accused appeared in court and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
Incident Number TB24043424
Five people were arrested and quantities of suspected drugs have been seized after a pair of search warrants were executed.
The Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity in June 2024. Several suspects were identified during the course of the investigation.
As a result of the investigation, search warrants were obtained and executed at a Cameron Street residence and another residence on Rona Street on Thursday, March 13.
Five suspects were arrested. Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking and an unloaded shotgun.
The estimated street value of the drugs seized exceeds $225,000.
John DEPAOLA, 63, of Thunder Bay, is charged with the following:
• Trafficking Cocaine x3
• Trafficking Fentanyl
• Unsafe Storage of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Careless Storage of a Firearm
• Breach of Release Order
Sagal ABDILLAHI, 21, of Toronto, and Sezar HERMEZ, 32, of North York, are charged with the following:
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)
• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Methamphetamine)
ABDILLAHI is also charged with Trafficking Cocaine x2.
Brooklyn GIBSON, 26, of Thunder Bay, and Justina VALLEY, 30, of Thunder Bay, are each charged with Unsafe Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and Careless Storage of a Firearm.
The accused appeared in court on Friday.
Incident Number TB25004763
A suspect faces multiple charges after assaulting officers while resisting arrest.
Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Syndicate Avenue South shortly before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, to arrest an individual who was wanted on a warrant.
The individual initially tried to flee from officers but was quickly captured. The male attempted to grab at an officer’s firearm and assaulted three officers while they attempted to place him into a police cruiser. Two of those officers sustained injuries.
Timothy Dominic BRISARD, 40, is charged with Assault Peace Officer x3, Obstruct Peace Officer, and Disarm Peace Officer.
The accused appeared in court on Wednesday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
Location Thunder Bay
An extensive investigation into the non-consensual sharing of intimate content has resulted in 12 people being arrested and facing a total of 172 charges.
The Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began investigating in 2023 after learning that multiple women in Thunder Bay had been having their images shared through groups in an online chat platform.
As a result of the investigation, a total of 117 victims have been identified, which also includes victims in at least three other countries and across Canada.
Investigators obtained 26 production orders, 18 search warrants, and 15 general warrants. The investigation has resulted in nearly 600 exhibits being seized.
The accused individuals turned themselves in to police on Wednesday, February 5.
Charged are the following:
Joshua WANAKAMIK, 34:
• Distribution Intimate Images Without Consent x90
• Mischief
• Unauthorized Use of a Computer x2
• Identity Fraud x2
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Possession Child Pornography
• Distributing Child Pornography
Darryl RENAUD, 38:
• Distribution Intimate Images Without Consent x4
• Luring
• Extortion
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Distributing Child Pornography
Aaron STOLZ, 37:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x20
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Distribution of Child Pornography
Jonathon PRIESTON, 32:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x11
Lindsey HUNT, 38:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x8
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Distribution of Child Pornography
Tyler BLOUIN, 28:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x6
• Accessing Child Pornography
• Possession of Child Pornography
• Distribution of Child Pornography
Ryan MADORE, 38:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x3
• Possession of Child Pornography
James EDGSON, 36:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent
• Possession of Child Pornography
Sheldon PRICE, 30:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent x3
BRADLEY COMUZZI, 37; Ian WARREN, 37; Jordi LEBLANC, 31:
• Distribution of Intimate Images Without Consent
The accused individuals appeared in court on Wednesday and have future appearance dates.
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
Incident Number TB25003603
One person faces multiple charges after being found driving impaired, despite previous prohibitions, and attempting to provide a false identity to the officer.
A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit officer was on patrol on the afternoon of Monday, January 27, when a vehicle was first observed at a rate of over 70 kilometres per hour in a community safety zone with a posted speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour, and was then observed at nearly 90 kilometres per hour in a 50 kilometre per hour zone.
The officer pulled over the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.
The driver initially provided the responding officer with an identity that ended up being false. The officer also observed multiple signs of impairment.
Once the officer determined the driver’s identity, it was found that the male was wanted on a warrant and had six different driving prohibitions.
Mahad MUSSE, 30, is charged with Impaired Operation of a Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle, Operation of a Vehicle While Prohibited x2, Identity Fraud, and Breach of Probation.
The accused appeared in court on Tuesday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date. The vehicle is subject to a 45-day impoundment and the accused’s driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days.
Location
Thunder Bay
Incident Number TB25003127
Two people face drug and firearm charges after a pair of search warrants were executed.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Intelligence Unit had obtained warrants for a residence and a vehicle as a result of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity.
Officers located a male suspect in the 100 block of Shuniah Street shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 23. A search of the suspect and vehicle resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected fentanyl, more than $3,300 in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
Officers then searched a residence on Sequoia Drive and located a loaded shotgun that had a serial number removed, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
A female suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Emerson SPIESS-RUEF, 27, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl), Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5,000, Careless Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm.
Kyra GOODMAN, 27, is charged with Careless Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm.
The accused appeared in court on Friday and have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.
Incident Number TB25002329
One individual faces several charges after a firearm incident last week.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Bay Street at about 5:15 p.m. on Friday, January 17 after receiving reports of an assault and a firearm having been discharged.
Nobody was struck by a gunshot and no serious injuries have been reported.
The investigation resulted in a suspect being identified.
The suspect was taken into custody following a planned high-risk arrest that took place in the area of the 200 block of Amelia Street West on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 22.
Andrew Robert GODFREY, 48, is charged with the following:
• Assault with a Weapon
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Pointing a Firearm
• Possession of Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
• Possession of Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order x5
The accused appeared in court on Thursday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
Incident Number TB25002263
One person faces several firearms-related charges after police responded to a weapons incident last week.
Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to an address in the 100 block of Cumberland Street South at about 9 a.m. on Friday, January 17, after receiving reports that a firearm had been discharged.
Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, Primary Response Branch and Emergency Task Unit were all involved in the initial response.
The area was contained and secured by responding officers. A male suspect was identified and located. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
There have been no reported injuries.
The Criminal Investigations Branch has provided assistance with the investigation.
Jeffrey Darren PLESON, 38, is charged with the following:
• Careless Use of a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Weapon
• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence
• Discharging Firearm with Intent
• Failure to Comply with Probation Order
The accused appeared in court over the weekend and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
Location Thunder Bay
(Thunder Bay, ON) – The Nishnawbe Aski Police Service is issuing a public safety advisory about ongoing and increasing incidents of cyberbullying.
In recent weeks, NAPS has observed an apparent spike in incidents related to cyberbullying in many of the 34 Northern Ontario communities it serves. This is incredibly alarming, especially because of the known links between cyberbullying and youth suicide.
The public has become more aware of this connection following the highly publicized and tragic case of Amanda Todd, who faced intense cyberbullying before she died to suicide in 2012.
Suicide rates are an estimated six times higher for First Nations youth compared to non-Indigenous youth in Canada. In remote and far north communities, these rates are believed to be 11 times higher.
NAPS would like to encourage parents, teachers, and guardians to speak to their children about cyberbullying and its potentially tragic consequences.
If you believe your child is a victim of cyberbullying, please report it to your community’s NAPS detachment.
These incidents will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.
Incident Number TB24048776
A cyber crime investigation has resulted in a local man being arrested on a child pornography charge.
Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began an investigation in November 2024 after receiving information that a local internet user had been suspected of uploading a file that contained child sexual abuse material.
As a result of the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and executed at a Frederica Street East residence on the morning of Wednesday, January 15.
A suspect was arrested and multiple electronic devices were seized.
Ronald Howard WRIGLEY, 73, is charged with Possession of Child Pornography.
The accused appeared in court on Wednesday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
Location Thunder Bay