Category: Thunder Bay

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Thunder Bay

$120,000 Drug Bust

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – One individual from British Columbia is facing several charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) following a drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay.

In May 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) and the OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB) began an intelligence-led investigation into the alleged trafficking of drugs in Thunder Bay and surrounding communities.

On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, search warrants were executed at a hotel, two businesses and one vehicle in Thunder Bay by members from the OPP PGNG, the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) and the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS). Assistance was provided by OPP North West Region Community Street Crime Units, including Thunder Bay and Marathon OPP detachments.

The following items with approximate quantities were seized as a result of the search warrants:

  • 1 kg suspected methamphetamine
  • 260 g suspected fentanyl
  • 40 g suspected cocaine
  • 7 g suspected crack cocaine
  • $6,500 in Canadian currency
  • Prohibited weapon (mace)
  • Cell phones
  • Digital scales

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than $120,000.

As a result of the investigation, Jessica COE, age 29 of Surrey, British Columbia, was charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, s. 88 CC
  • Possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5,000, s. 354(1)(a) CC
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, section 5(2) CDSA
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, s. 5(2) CDSA – two counts
  • Possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl, s. 5(2) CDSA
  • Trafficking – methamphetamine, s. 5(1) CDSA

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

The OPP would like to thank the TBPS, NAPS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their support of the PGNG program.

PGNG MANDATE

The OPP-led PGNG is dedicated to disrupting criminal street gang activity through intelligence-led, multijurisdictional drug trafficking investigations and reducing the number of illegal firearms in the province of Ontario. The PGNG is comprised of members from 20 police services in both Ontario and Quebec as well as the RCMP.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Mohammed ABDALWAHAB, Kemoy JACKSON, & Havord McKENZIE

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Members of the Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have arrested and charged three individuals with offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

On Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, around 4:38 p.m., Thunder Bay OPP conducted a traffic stop on a motor vehicle along Highway 11-17, within the Municipality of Shuniah.

OPP Canine Unit, along with the Thunder Bay OPP Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) were engaged, attended the location and after a thorough search of the vehicle, officers located a large quantity of what appeared to be Cocaine, large amount of Canadian currency and paraphernalia related to drug trafficking.

Investigators seized the following items with approximate quantities:

·        407 grams of suspected Cocaine

·        2,985 of Canadian currency

As a result, Mohammed ABDALWAHAB, 41 years old, of London, Ontario, was charged with the following CDSA offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada

·        Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

This accused was held in-custody overnight for a bail hearing, was subsequently released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 2nd, 2025.

Kemoy JACKSON, 20 years old, of Mississauga, was charged with the following CDSA offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada

·        Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

This accused remains in-custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 4th, 2025.

Havord McKENZIE, 34 years old, of North York, Ontario, was charged with the following CDSA offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

·        Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada

·        Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

This accused remains in-custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 4th, 2025.

Anyone with any information about the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

19 Year Old Deceased

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On August 23rd, 2025, at approximately 2:02 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment received a report of an overdue motorist, with the last known whereabouts along Highway 589, between Moving Post Road and Old Hall Road.

After extensive patrols were conducted, a single motor vehicle was located a considerable distance from Highway 589, north of Moving Post Road.

As a result, one 19-year-old male, of Thunder Bay, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

As the investigation continues, the OPP North West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team and OPP Collision Re-Constructionists are assisting and all resources have cleared from Highway 589.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage or surveillance footage from the area between Moving Post Road and Old Hall Road, along Highway 589 is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

INCIDENT REFERENCE #: E251142681

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Ryne Raymond OPAS – Drunk Driving

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On August 16th, 2025 at approximately 12:36 p.m., an officer from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) was on general patrol along Highway 130, within the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge, when the officer observed a motor vehicle that had driven into the ditch.

The officer stopped to provide assistance & as a result of the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Ryne Raymond OPAS, 35, of the Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;
  • Fail to report accident;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 1st, 2025.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Joshua SEREDA Was Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Throughout this summer, the Northwest Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (T.I.M.E.) team of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in partnership with Conservation Officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), has been conducting joint-enforcement marine patrols. The summer-long operation has included mandatory alcohol screening (M.A.S.) and fish inspections on local waterbodies of Thunder Bay, Gorham and Shebandowan, with specific patrols being focused on Dog Lake and Kashabowie Lake.

The goal is to educate both local residents and visiting tourists on the water in regard to boat safety and fishing regulations.

Furthermore, between August 9th and 10th, patrols were conducted on Shebandowan Lake, Two Island Lake, Surprise Lake and One Island Lakes where a multitude of infractions were observed among the boaters.

Again, as a result of these summer-long joint enforcement initiatives, officers are noticing a pattern in tickets being issued for:

  • Open liquor within a vessel;
  • Cannabis readily available;
  • Missing vessel safety equipment (Life jackets, flashlights, etc);
  • Depositing waste on public lands (Throwing beer cans in the lake);

Furthermore, on August 9th, 2025 at approximately 7:05 p.m., on Shebandowan Lake, Officers stopped a vessel to check for proper equipment and sobriety.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the vessel operator had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Joshua SEREDA, 36, of Neebing, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 10, 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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

17 Year Old Deceasd Following Collision

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), along with members of the OPP North West Region Traffic Incident Management Enforcement (TIME) Team, are investigating a fatal collision involving a motorcycle and vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:43 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the intersection of Highway 11-17 and Mapleward Road.

The motorcycle driver, a 17-year-old male from Kakabeka Falls, was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. As a result of the investigation, the highway was closed in all directions but reopened shortly before 2:00 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or dash camera footage that may assist police is asked to contact the Thunder Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

More Impaired Drivers

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On July 28th, 2025 at approximately 9:57 p.m., officers from the Thunder Bay & Shabaqua Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a single motor vehicle collision along East Arrow Lake Road, outside of the Village of Suomi.

As a result of the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Donald HARRIS, 67, of the Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 10th, 2025.

Furthermore, on July 29th, 2025 at approximately 12:22 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay & Shabaqua Detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to another single motor vehicle collision along Highway 527, within the Unorganized District of Thunder Bay.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Crystal RANTA, 33, of Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 10th, 2025.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Fake Police Officer Arrested #FilmThePolice #FTP

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On July 11th, 2025 at approximately 2:00 p.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a traffic complaint regarding a male blocking the highway & displaying a police badge along Highway 587, within the Unincorporated Territory of Thunder Bay.

As a result of the investigation, Mika POOLEY, 33, of the Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

  • Personating Peace Officer (Badge, using uniform, or equipment);
  • Dangerous Operation;
  • Forcible Confinement;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 10th, 2025.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

2 More Impaired Drivers Charged

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On June 22nd, 2025 at approximately 12:44 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting a R.I.D.E. (Reduce Impaired Drivers Everywhere) program along the off-ramp on Balsam Street, within the City of Thunder Bay.

As a result of the R.I.D.E. program, it was determined that one driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Halie KEOUGH, 22, of the Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

Criminal Code:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);

Highway Traffic Act:

  • Novice driver – B.A.C. (Blood Alcohol Concentration) above zero;

Liquor Licence Act:

  • Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on August 6th, 2025.

Furthermore, on July 1st, 2025 at approximately 1:23 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were on general patrol & initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle along Highway 11-17, within the City of Thunder Bay.

Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Herbert McWATCH, 55, of Marathon, Ontario was charged with:

Criminal Code:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;

Highway Traffic Act:

  • Driver without proper headlights – motor vehicle;
  • Fail to signal – lane change;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on August 20th, 2025.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

MILLS – Drunk Driving

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On May 10th, 2025 at approximately 10:29 p.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a traffic complaint along Highway 17, within the Unorganized Territory of Thunder Bay.

The complaint vehicle was located & a traffic stop was initiated. Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Ronald MILLS, 56, of Ear Falls, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 18th, 2025.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Calvin SUGANAQUEB Was Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On May 31st, 2025 at approximately 5:39 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were dispatched to a traffic complaint along Highway 61, within the City of Thunder Bay.

The complaint vehicle was located & a traffic stop was initiated. Through the investigation, it was determined that the driver had been consuming alcoholic beverages, was placed under arrest & returned to the detachment for further tests.

As a result of the investigation, Calvin SUGANAQUEB, 42, of the First Nation Territory of Wunnumin Lake, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus);
  • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs;
  • Dangerous Operation;

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 25th, 2025.

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report Impaired Driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

7kg Cocaine Bust

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Four Thunder Bay residents and one individual from Ajax are facing a combined 35 charges under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act after a drug trafficking investigation in Thunder Bay and the surrounding communities.

In late 2024, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) and the OPP Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau (POIB) began an intelligence-led investigation into the alleged trafficking of drugs from the Greater Toronto Area to Thunder Bay.

On Thursday, May 8, 2025, search warrants were executed on two vehicles and three residences in Thunder Bay by members from PGNG, Thunder Bay OPP Regional Support Team, Thunder Bay OPP Community Street Crime Unit, OPP Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit, POIB, Thunder Bay Police Service and Nishnawbe Aski Police Service.

The following items with approximate quantities were seized:

  •         7.2 kg of suspected cocaine
  •         1 kg of suspected methamphetamine
  •         2.8 grams of suspected fentanyl
  •         295 oxycodone tablets
  •         4 lbs of dried illegal cannabis
  •         280 cannabis vape pens
  •         25 vials of hash oil
  •         Loaded firearm
  •         $126,260 in Canadian currency
  •         8 cell phones

The estimated street value of the drugs seized is $836,000.

Further details relating to the accused and their respective charges can be found in the attached Addendum of Charged Persons.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Six individuals are facing multiple charges following a three-week long investigation that led to the seizure of suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.

Between April 21, 2025, and May 9, 2025 members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with support from the OPP Canine Unit, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and Thunder Bay Police Service Canine Unit investigated incidents of drug trafficking throughout Northwestern Ontario.

During the investigation and during the execution of two search warrants at residences in the City of Thunder Bay, officers seized suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.

As a result of the investigation, six people have been charged and face numerous charges under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Cannabis Act.

Maurice BARTLEY, 57-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 9, 2025.

Steve GROOMBRIDGE, 42-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The accused was remanded into custody.

Lennox MATTINAS, 48-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid

The accused was remanded into custody

Jasen Dowhaniuk, 43-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession for the purpose of distributing

The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 30, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

Alleysha Henry, 27-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder on June 5, 2025 to answer to the above charge.

Leah NEWMAN, 49-years-old of Langley, BC has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 4, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the trafficking of illicit substances is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

One Dead – Dharmpal SINGH Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges following a fatal collision that occurred on January 24, 2024.

On January 24, 2024, shortly after 11:00 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment, the North West Region T.I.M.E. Team (Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement) along with Emergency Medical Services, responded to a collision on Highway 17 in Upsala. One individual was pronounced deceased, and two individuals were injured and taken to a local hospital.

As a result of the investigation, Dharmpal SINGH, 30-years-old of Abbotsford, British Columbia, has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Dangerous operation causing death

·        Dangerous operation causing bodily harm

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and is a key component of the OPP’s public safety mandate. Investigations resulting in the loss of life and serious injuries can be complex to investigate. As the vast majority of fatal collisions are preventable, thorough and accurate investigations help ensure that motorists who cause these collisions are held accountable for their driving behaviours. The victims and their families deserve no less.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Another Police Officer Arrested #FilmThePolice #FTP

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a member with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) in relation to an on-duty incident.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, a TBPS vehicle was involved in a two-vehicle collision in the City of Thunder Bay. On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the OPP was requested by the TBPS to investigate the incident.

On Monday, April 28, 2025, as a result of the investigation, Peter HAASE, age 37 of Thunder Bay, was charged with dangerous operation contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on May 28, 2025.

Questions related to the employment status of the accused should be directed to the TBPS.