Cybercrime investigation leads to charges

December 9, 2025

TB25044096

A cybercrime investigation in Thunder Bay has led to child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) charges.
 
The investigation got underway in response to a report of a local resident accessing and possessing CSAEM in October.
 
The investigation led to a search warrant being executed on the city’s south end in December.
 
During the search electronic devices and print media were seized.
 
One suspect was also located and arrested.
 
As a result, 50-year-old Eric John MORRISSEAU is facing the following charges:
 
• Access child sexual abuse and exploitation material
 
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material
 
• Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material
 
The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
 
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at (807) 696-0192.
 
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.
 
This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
 
Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
 

Police urge caution after “Senior Assassin” game prompts weapons call

May 10, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is urging students and families to consider the serious safety concerns connected to the “Senior Assassin” game being played by graduating high school students. The activity, which often involves participants attempting to “tag” or “eliminate” one another using water guns or imitation firearms, typically takes place in neighbourhoods, parking lots, parks, and other public areas. Although intended as entertainment, the game can easily be mistaken for real criminal activity. On May 9, 2026, officers responded after a concerned motorist reported seeing what appeared to be a handgun in the possession of another driver. Due to the nature of the complaint, officers treated the incident as a potentially high-risk weapons call. The item was later determined to be an imitation firearm connected to the “Senior Assassin” game. Even toy replica guns are often designed to closely resemble authentic firearms. When these items are displayed in public, officers must respond as though the threat is genuine until proven otherwise. Police are reminding participants that using imitation firearms in public spaces can result in unintended consequences, including criminal investigations, school-related sanctions, or injury. The behaviour may also cause fear and distress for residents who believe they are witnessing a real weapons-related incident. Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with youth about making safe decisions and understanding how quickly these situations can escalate. The Thunder Bay Police Service is asking students to avoid participating in activities that involve imitation firearms in public and is encouraging residents to continue reporting suspicious activity involving weapons by calling 9-1-1.

Heavy police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s north end

May 8, 2026
TB26017134 A visible police presence is expected in the South Water Street and Pearl Street area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 3:00 PM on May 8, 2026, in response to a call for service. There is no threat to public safety. Drivers are advised that traffic is expected to be disrupted, and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time. 

Public Safety Notice:

May 8, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service responded to a call regarding an assault in the Boulevard Lake area yesterday morning. The suspect has not yet been located and the investigation is ongoing. The suspect may be wearing a yellow, orange and white plaid jacket. He is described as being light-skinned, in his 30s or 40s, with grey in his hair and an unkempt appearance. Community members are asked to use caution while using recreational trails in the area. For personal safety, residents are encouraged to: • Walk with another person whenever possible • Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds that block out surrounding sounds • Remain aware of your surroundings at all times • Stay clear of dark, isolated, or closed in areas Police continue to patrol the area and remain committed to ongoing efforts to identify and locate the individual involved. Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Further updates will be shared as information becomes available.