Charges laid following investigation into weapons incident on Thunder Bay’s north end

January 25, 2026

TB26002366
 

A Thunder Bay resident is facing an Attempted Murder charge following a weapons incident on the city’s north end.
 
Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit attended a business on Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026, in response to an individual who had been located with injuries.
 
The victim is in stable condition.
 
The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation.
 
On January 25, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located and arrested a suspect.
 
As a result, 40-year-old George PALOSAARI is facing the following charges:
 
• Attempt to Commit Murder using a Restricted Firearm or Prohibited Firearm 
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose 
• Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm 
• Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammo 
• Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was Prohibited or Restricted Weapon 
• Firearm – Use while Committing Offence 
• Careless use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition
 
The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
 
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, or online at
www.p3tips.com

June 3, 2026
TB26020832 and TB26020814 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms. As part of the investigation, the Emergency Task Unit and Intelligence Unit searched two homes on Finlayson Street. During the searches suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and two guns were seized. The total street value of the drugs is approximately $19,755. As a result of the investigation, 47-year-old David CAKE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (six counts) 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 proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm (two counts) Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (two counts) Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts) Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo Douglas SHAFRANSKI, a 47-year-old from Thunder Bay, and Saceriya MOHAMED, a 31-year-old of Toronto, are also facing the following charges: Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - cocaine Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid CAKE was remanded into custody following his first court appearance. SHAFRANSKI and MOHAMED were both released from custody with a future court date.
June 1, 2026
TB26020163 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple assaults has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault in the Red River Road area, on May 29, 2026, just after 1:00 PM with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit which was on patrol as part of Project Support. On scene officers located an individual with injuries consistent with a stabbing. The individual attended a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. Officers were able to identify, locate, and arrest a suspect nearby. Further investigation led to additional victims being identified. No additional injuries were reported. As a result of this investigation, 54-year-old Stephane ST-CYR of Quebec is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon (two counts) • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
May 28, 2026
TB24032007 Richard GRAHAM is no longer the subject of a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) missing person investigation. This is now a private family matter. The family has granted permission for TBPS to disclose that Richard was located deceased. Please remove his name and images from websites and social media pages. The family wants to extend their appreciation to everyone who was involved in the search efforts. No further information will be released at this time.