August 2025

August 6, 2025

The Primary Response Branch represents the members most often in contact with people in need of police support - front-line Patrol Platoons, Emergency Task Unit, Canine Unit, the IMPACT Unit and Traffic Unit, the call-back unit and front desk. 


2024 police-reported crime


This month, Statistics Canada released the police-reported crime data for 2024. The detailed Main Metrics include:


Crime counts: Total number of incidents reported.

Crime rates: Number of incidents per 100,000 population.

Crime Severity Index (CSI), which measures how often crimes happen and how severe they are, from year to year.


Thunder Bay's average is higher than both the province and the national averages for crime severity. TBPS continues to have clearance rates above the national average, which indicate how effectively our dedicated members are addressing violent crimes. Clearance rates refer to the percentage of reported crimes that are investigated and result in charges laid. 


The non-violent crime severity index includes such crimes as property and drug offences. 


Fort William First Nation flag raising


In July, TBPS held its annual raising of the Fort William First Nation flag outside of our Balmoral Street station.


This serves as an important acknowledgement that we're tasked with serving and protecting land that is the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.


We're honoured that Fort William First Nation Chief Michele Solomon took the time to join us, and grateful to Elder Celina Reitberger for offering us an opening prayer and song. We are committed to continuing to advance reconciliation and strengthen our relationship with Fort William First Nation. We value our partnership to keep our communities safe.


Camp Loon


Members of our Operational Support Branch spent a week in July volunteering at Camp Loon, a great leadership and life-skills training camp led by the Canadian Rangers. 


Our members again brought the On Target archery program to the camp. The program teaches archery principles, including proper form, shot execution and follow-through.


Many of the Camp Loon participants are from northern communities, and this camp gives our members the opportunity to build relationships with participants before they visit or move to Thunder Bay.


Getting started in policing


Create a real, lasting change in your community: protect, support, and inspire. Whether you apply through our cadet program or as an experienced officer, answers to your questions can be found at: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers


Generally, applicants need to meet a few key criteria:


Physical fitness: You will need to demonstrate a basic level of fitness and submit a two-week fitness log.


Vision & hearing standards: Applicants must meet specific medical benchmarks to ensure safe and effective performance on the job.


First aid & CPR Certification: You will need valid certification by the time a job offer is made. 


Valid driver’s licence: A valid Ontario driver’s license is required to apply. 


Clean criminal record: All applicants undergo a background check as part of the process. 


Strong Communication & Integrity: Clear thinking, empathy and sound judgment are key to success in this role.


Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board


Quarterly Report 


The Board has published its Q2 Report. You can read about the Board’s second-quarter accomplishments and progress here: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/transparency-and-accountability/


New Executive Director


This summer, the Thunder Bay Police Service Board will announce the hiring of a new Executive Director. The full-time Executive Director role will replace the current part-time Board Administrator/Secretary position, vacated by longtime public servant John Hannam, who is retiring. The need for this position was first identified in the 2018 Sinclair Report by the late Senator Murray Sinclair, who recommended the role due to the breadth of work required by the Board. The Board looks forward to sharing details of the new hire soon!


Community Support


The Board is proud to support and sponsor Wabshkaa Animkii Benesii (WAB), a grassroots, Indigenous-led, after-school and summer program located at Sherbrooke School, in the amount of $3,000.


Since the program’s launch in April 2022, WAB has provided land-based learning, cultural teachings, and creative workshops for more than sixty children and youth throughout the summer months. 


Programming includes:


  • Traditional teachings from Elders and Knowledge Holders.
  • Regalia-making, sewing, and beading.
  • Daily home-cooked meals and snacks.
  • …amongst other activities.


The program focuses on nurturing leadership, self-identity, and healing for Indigenous children, many of whom are living with intergenerational trauma, food insecurity, and disconnection from culture.


Police investigating incident at business on city’s north end

December 25, 2025
TB25050160 The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an incident that resulted in injuries to an adult male in the city’s north end. Officers were sent to a business on Hodder Avenue just after midnight on December 25, 2025, in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact investigators at 807 684 1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

UPDATE: Police conclude landfill search in relation to homicide investigation

December 22, 2025
TB24050228 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) has completed a search for evidence at the Thunder Bay Solid Waste and Recycling Facility as part of an ongoing homicide investigation in the city. No new evidence was discovered as a result of this search. “Providing closure for the family has been our priority,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “Conducting this search was both necessary and appropriate, regardless of the outcome.” The TBPS extends its ongoing support to Deborah’s family and community, mindful that this update may be painful and, for some, deeply traumatic. Throughout the course of this investigation, the TBPS investigative team has remained in close partnership with Deborah’s family and expresses sincere appreciation to Nishnawbe Aski Nation for their steadfast support. The TBPS thanks the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Lac Seul Police Service and the City of Thunder Bay for assistance with the search. This includes providing members to conduct searches, coordination support, PPE and a command post. The TBPS anticipates seeking provincial and federal assistance in cost recovery. The search began on Monday, September 22, 2025 and ended on November 21, 2025. This activity is inseparable from the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), a tragedy in which Indigenous women and girls continue to face disproportionate risks of violence and disappearance compared to non Indigenous women and girls. Anyone who may be affected by this development is encouraged to seek strength and guidance through family, Elders, or community based supports, including the resources listed below. This effort followed previous searches of areas of the south side of the city that were conducted earlier this year and at the end of last year. An investigation into locating missing person Deborah Anishinabie was triggered in December 2024, before becoming a homicide investigation. Through the course of the investigation Levi Michael LAWSON was charged with Indignity to a Human Body and Second Degree Murder in relation to the ongoing investigation. 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 . 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

Two local residents facing charges following multiple break and enters on Thunder Bay's south end

December 18, 2025
TB25049002, TB25048804, TB25047495, TB25049068 An investigation into multiple break and enters at a local business on the city’s south end has led to charges. On December 16, officers on patrol responded to a report of a break and enter taking place at a business on James Street South around 1:40 a.m. A pedestrian in the area saw two people breaking into a business. Responding officers found that one of the windows of the front door of the business had been broken and merchandise was stolen. The suspects had left prior to police arrival. The Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Further investigation led to two suspects being located and arrested later that same day. The investigation determined that the suspects were involved in a total of four incidents at the same location between December 3, and December 16. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Megan Towedo from Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x4 32-year-old Dakota Sagutch from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x3 • Breach of Probation x4 The accused remain in custody with future court dates.