Category: Thunder Bay Police Service

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

$225,000 Drug Bust

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.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Suspect Attempts To Disarm Officer, Injures Two Others While Resisting Arrest

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

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Pervert Alert – 12 Arrested – Names Released

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.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Mahad MUSSE Was Arrested Again

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

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Drug Bust – Names Released

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.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Andrew Robert GODFREY Facing Numerous Charges

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.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Jeffrey Darren PLESON Was Arrested Again

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

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Police Warn Of Spike In Cyberbullying

(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.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Pervert Alert: Ronald Howard WRIGLEY Arrested For Child Porn

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

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Homicide On Lincoln St.

Police are investigating an incident that occurred Tuesday night as a homicide.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Branch were dispatched to the 1100 block of Lincoln Street shortly before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14.

A male victim was located with life threatening injuries and was transported to hospital. The victim has since been pronounced deceased.

A visible police presence remains in the area.

The Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Identification Unit are involved in the ongoing investigation.

Updates will be provided when they become available.

Location

Thunder Bay

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Yzerman Tyrell KAKEGAMIC – Break & Enter, Theft, Etc.

Incident Number

TB25001434 & TB25001448

Police arrested a suspect after a pair of businesses were broken into over the weekend.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Branch were dispatched to the 600 block of Arthur Street West shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, after receiving reports of a break-in.

Responding officers found that a business window had been smashed by the suspect to gain entry. Officers also found evidence that an adjacent business was also damaged by the suspect.

A suspect was quickly located and arrested after a brief foot chase. The suspect was identified after initially providing officers with false names.

Yzerman Tyrell KAKEGAMIC, 26, is charged with the following:
• Break and Enter to Commit an Indictable Offence x2
• Mischief Over $5,000
• Mischief Under $5,000
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Theft Under $5,000
• False Alarm of Fire

The accused appeared in court over the weekend and has been released from custody with conditions and a future appearance date.

Location

Thunder Bay

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Weapons Incident

Incident Number TB24052786

Police are continuing to investigate after a weapons incident that occurred earlier this afternoon.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to a call for service in the area of Pebblestone Road and Highway 11/17 on the afternoon of Thursday, December 26.

The involved individual has been transported to hospital. Further details about their condition are unknown at this time.

A visible police presence is expected to remain in the area. There may also be traffic disruptions in the area.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has invoked its mandate. As a result, the Thunder Bay Police Service cannot provide further details at this time.

Location Thunder Bay

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Police Crusier Involved In Collision

A driver has been charged after being involved in a motor vehicle collision with a police cruiser.

A Thunder Bay Police Service officer with the Primary Response Branch was operating an unmarked police vehicle that was stopped at a red light at the intersection of Oliver Road and High Street shortly after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 23, when it was struck by a passenger vehicle.

The officer and driver of the vehicle were both treated and assessed for minor injuries. Both vehicles sustained damage.

Members of the Traffic Unit were involved in the investigation.

The 35-year-old driver of the passenger vehicle is charged with Careless Driving under the Highway Traffic Act.

The driver has been issued a summons to appear in court at a future date.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

One Dead – Levi Michael LAWSON Arrested

Incident Number TB24050228

One person has been charged after human remains were discovered over the weekend.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers located a deceased individual in the area of the 800 block of Finlayson Street and the 400 block of McKellar Street North on the afternoon of Saturday, December 14.

The Thunder Bay Police Service will not be publicly releasing the identity of the individual at this time.

Members of the Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Identification Unit became involved in the investigation.

A suspect was arrested by members of the Major Crimes Unit and Intelligence Unit on Tuesday, December 17.

Levi Michael LAWSON, 24, is charged with Indignity to a Human Body.

The accused appeared in court on Wednesday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date of December 23, 2024.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Police Service

Missing Person – Deborah ANISHINABIE

TB24050228

The Thunder Bay Police Service is issuing a renewed request for public assistance in locating missing person Deborah ANISHINABIE.

Deborah was last seen in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 5 in the area of the 100 block of Simpson Street.

Deborah is described as an Indigenous female with long black hair and brown eyes, and approximately 5’1” tall and 180 lbs. Debra has a star tattoo on her left shoulder and several smaller tattoos on both of her arms.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators have spoken to potential witnesses, patrolled areas of interest, and canvassed for surveillance footage. Drones have also been utilized to assist with the search efforts.

Investigators are asking members of the public in the southern and eastern portions of the city — particularly in areas between Simpson Street, May Street, and Northern Avenue — to check their properties, outbuildings and laneways. Residents in these areas are also asked to review any home or business surveillance camera footage. Anyone driving in this area during the early morning of hours of December 5 who captured dash camera video is also asked to review that footage.

Anyone who believes they have found something relevant that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police immediately.

If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Location Thunder Bay