Charges laid following cyber crime investigation

February 5, 2026

TB25008802


A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) has led to charges.

The Cyber Crime Unit began the investigation on March 7, 2025, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

According to the tip on January 4, 2025 someone uploaded images consistent with the Criminal Code definition of Child Pornography.

The investigation led to searches of homes in the Murillo area and Thunder Bay’s south end.

Several electronic devices were seized.

The suspect self-surrendered on February 4, 2026.

As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Robert SZCZEPANSKI has been charged with:

• Access child sexual abuse and exploitation material

The accused was released with a future court date.

The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices.

We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts.

Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and reporting of any online exploitation can also be made, at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca.

There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children.

The new Talking for Change (https://talkingforchange.ca/) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at (807) 696-0192.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Investigation into multi-vehicle collision leads to charges

February 19, 2026
TB26006283 A multi-vehicle collision in Thunder Bay has led to charges. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Arthur Street area on February 16, 2026, when they observed a pickup truck driving at over 100 kilometres per hour in a residential area. Officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign. The Traffic Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR, is facing the following charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Cannabis Control Act, and Criminal Code of Canada: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Dangerous operation • Flight from peace officer • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (three counts) • Fail to surrender insurance card • Driver fail to surrender licence • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle • Person under 19 years – possess cannabis • Fail to notify change of address • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available • Class G1 license holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

February 2026

February 18, 2026
Online Reporting: freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents Since launching a new online reporting service last February, the Thunder Bay Police Service has become a national leader in the use of the technology. The reporting platform allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online from anywhere, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence. The system redirects thousands of calls away from frontline response, freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents. 677 online reports were submitted in January, 2026. “This is a good example of one of the many ways we enhance efficiency,” noted Chief Darcy Fleury. “The community has access to a convenient reporting tool, and officers can focus on priority responses.” People can use the online portal to report theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. The platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report. Daniyar Akhmedjanov, Co-founder of Rubicon - the online reporting platform – was recently in Thunder Bay to see how our team members have grown the system. “TBPS has built one of the most developed virtual/alternate response operations in the country – so we came to learn from the best (and bring those lessons back to other agencies),” he said. 

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 17, 2026
TB26006264 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into drug trafficking has led to multiple arrests and charges. On February 17, 2026 officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Golf Links Road. During the search, three individuals in the home were arrested, and suspected cocaine, fentanyl, a loaded handgun, and more than $19,000 in cash were seized. Over 3.36 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 285 grams of suspected fentanyl were seized. The estimated street value of the drugs is over $488,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Christie REID from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon Justin SKINNER a 48-year-old of Thunder Bay, is also facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (five counts) Jaylon VIKER a 23-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Failure to comply with release order All of the accused remain in custody with a future court date.