Cyber Crime investigation leads to charges

February 25, 2025

A continued Cyber Crime Unit investigation has led to a local resident facing charges.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit began an investigation in November 2024 after receiving a report that a local internet user was engaged in illegal activity.

 

Police seized multiple electronic devices from the suspect in December 2024.

 

As a result of the investigation, the suspect was arrested on Monday, February 24, and taken into custody.

 

William HEIDRICK, 32, is charged with the following:

 

•             Distribute Intimate Images Without Consent x4

•             Identity Fraud x2

•             Criminal Harassment

•             Breach of Probation x3

•             Breach of Release Order

•             Accessing Child Pornography

•             Luring a Child

•             Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child

 

The accused appeared in court on Tuesday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.


October 27, 2025
Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it. From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe. At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities. While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city. That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay. The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.  Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.
October 23, 2025
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October 23, 2025
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