Category: Thunder Bay

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Police Service

$130,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

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.

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OPP Police Press Releases Sault Ste Marie Thunder Bay

$400,000 PROLINE Sports Betting Scam #CrimeDoesPay!

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB) has laid charges against two individuals in connection with suspicious Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) PROLINE sports betting activity in Sault Ste. Marie and Thunder Bay.

On Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the IEB, attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), was contacted by the OLG regarding suspicious betting activity at several gas bar locations. The investigation revealed that thousands of gift cards had been compromised, resulting in fraud exceeding $400,000.

As a result of the lengthy investigation, two people have been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code:

Joshua SILVA, age 36 of Thunder Bay, was charged with:

·      Fraud over $5,000

·      Laundering proceeds of crime

·      Conspiracy

·      Identity theft

·      Forgery

·      Utter forged document

·      Possession of property obtained by crime

The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Monday, September 22, 2025.

Montgomery McMAHON, age 45 of Thunder Bay, was charged with:

·      Fraud over $5,000

·      Laundering proceeds of crime

·      Conspiracy

·      Utter forged document

·      Possession of property obtained by crime

The accused has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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Police Press Releases Thunder Bay Thunder Bay Police Service

Feeding & Poking Bears – Police Offer Advice #Don’tBeADipshit

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

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OPP Police Press Releases Slate Falls First Nation Thunder Bay

66 Year Old Shuts Down Hwy 11/17 For 2 Hours After Incident With Motorcycle

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged two drivers following a collision that closed Highway 11/17 for just over two hours on the evening of Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The collision involving a motorcycle and truck at Oliver Road and Highway 11/17 occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. The motorcycle rider had already been transported to hospital prior to OPP arrival.

The highway was closed in both directions to allow for the investigation and reopened just after 10:45 p.m.

As part of the investigation, officers attended the hospital, where the motorcycle rider was observed to be impaired. A subsequent breath test was conducted, which the individual failed.

As a result, Chester NIX, age 66, of Slate Falls First Nation, was arrested and charged with:

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

The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 29, 2025.

The driver of the pickup truck was also charged with failure to afford reasonable opportunity to avoid a collision.

The OPP reminds motorists that driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is dangerous and poses serious risks to everyone on the road. Members of the public are encouraged to report impaired driving by calling 911 in emergencies.

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Dryden Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Tyler MARION & Kelly CHARTRAND

(DRYDEN, ON) – An investigation led by the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from members of the Dryden OPP detachment has led to charges being laid against two individuals.  

On September 9, 2025, just after 2:30 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on Van Horne Avenue, in the City of Dryden. The investigation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, as well as Canadian currency and further evidence of drug trafficking.

As a result of the investigation, Kelly CHARTRAND, 40-years-old, of Dryden, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine 

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

CHARTRAND has been released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 6, 2025.

Additionally, Tyler MARION, 40-years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

·        Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

·        Operation while impaired

·        Failure or refusal to comply with demand

MARION has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on September 12, 2025.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Dryden Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Tyler MARION & Kelly CHARTRAND

(DRYDEN, ON) – An investigation led by the Dryden Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU), with assistance from members of the Dryden OPP detachment has led to charges being laid against two individuals.  

On September 9, 2025, just after 2:30 p.m., a traffic stop was conducted on Van Horne Avenue, in the City of Dryden. The investigation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, including cocaine and fentanyl, as well as Canadian currency and further evidence of drug trafficking.

As a result of the investigation, Kelly CHARTRAND, 40-years-old, of Dryden, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine 

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

CHARTRAND has been released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on October 6, 2025.

Additionally, Tyler MARION, 40-years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code with the following offences:

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·        Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·        Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

·        Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice

·        Operation while impaired

·        Failure or refusal to comply with demand

MARION has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on September 12, 2025.

If you have any information about the trafficking of illicit drugs, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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Thunder Bay

Stolen Vehicle Recovered – Details Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On September 10th, 2025 at approximately 9:11 a.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) were conducting general patrol in the area of Banning Street, within the City of Thunder Bay and observed several motor vehicles; one of the vehicles was known to police as stolen.

As a result of the investigation, Eric Thomas LINDSTROM, 54, of Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance – Cocaine;
  • Possession of illicit Cannabis;
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada;
  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose;
  • Three counts of Failure to Comply with Release Order;

And Chantal BOUCHER, 46, of Thunder Bay, Ontario was charged with:

  • Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration;
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000 – in Canada;
  • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000 – in Canada;
  • Obstruct Peace Officer;
  • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose;
  • Operation While Prohibited under the Criminal Code;

Both accused have been held in-custody and are scheduled to appear for a bail hearing before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on September 11th, 2025.

Furthermore, on that same date, at approximately 5:08 p.m., officers from the Thunder Bay Detachment were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision along Little Trout Bay Road, within the Township of Neebing.

The vehicle was located & 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, Beverly WOOD, 39, of Hamilton, Ontario was charged with:

  • Take Motor Vehicle Without Consent;
  • Operation while Impaired – alcohol and drugs;
  • Operation while impaired – blood drug concentration (80 plus);

The accused has been released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on October 15th, 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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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.