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. 

SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

October 2, 2026
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in June 2026. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/en/news_template.php?nrid=11497

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.