Four arrested, drugs seized following search of north side business and residence

November 21, 2025

TB25045850

Four people, including one from Southern Ontario, have been arrested and face charges after a search warrant was executed at a business and residence on the city's north side.


Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s Intelligence Unit, with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, executed a warrant at a business and residence in the 300 block of Shuniah Street at about 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 20.


The warrant was obtained as a result of an investigation into suspected drug trafficking at that address.


Police located quantities of suspected cocaine with a street value exceeding $17,000.00, along with Canadian currency, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.


Shelley BACHYNSKI, 55 of Thunder Bay; James CRESSMAN, 56, of Thunder Bay; Bonnie LAGRANGE, 36, of Thunder Bay; and Lindsay ORELLANA, 29, of Toronto, are charged with;  

·   Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Cocaine

·   Proceeds of Crime


The accused have appeared in court.


CRESSMAN and ORELLANA have been remanded into custody with future appearance dates.


BACHYNSKI and LAGRANCE have been released with future appearance dates.  

SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

December 31, 2025
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving a Thunder Bay Police Service officer that occurred in September 2025. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded its investigation. 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/siu-concludes-investigation-into-thunder-bay-collision-en10888

Charges laid following hit and run collision

December 31, 2025
TB25035077 Charges have been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) investigation into a hit and run collision. On September 1, 2025 officers responded to a collision at the intersection of May Street North and Finlayson Street. Upon arrival officers located two damaged cars, but only one driver. The other driver had fled the scene. It was determined that the driver that fled the scene failed to pull over for a traffic stop prior to the collision. Further investigation led to the missing driver being located and arrested on December 15, 2025, by the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) with the assistance of TBPS. As a result, 54-year-old Eric LINDSTROM is facing the following charges in relation to the September 01, 2025 collision: • Operation while prohibited • Flight from peace officer • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm • Fail to stop at scene of accident resulting in bodily harm • Obstruct / resist peace officer • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Breach of probation • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (cocaine) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (fentanyl) • Breach of Release Order During the Thunder Bay Police Service investigation $10,405.00 in cash was seized along with a 2.24g of fentanyl valued at roughly $560. During the December 15, 2025 arrest, TBPS officers seized an additional $5560.30 in cash along with 263 grams of suspected meth, 41 grams of suspected fentanyl and 11 grams of suspected cocaine leading to several additional charges being laid against Eric LINDSTROM including: • Operation while prohibited • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Weapons Dangerous (Pepper Spray) • Breach of Release Order • Fail to Comply with Probation The total street value of the drugs seized during the arrest is $48,170. The accused remains in custody with a future court date.

Update: Police presence expected in Thunder Bay’s north end

December 30, 2025
TB25050184 A visible police presence is expected to continue in the city’s north end. The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate a sudden death on Regent Street which occurred on December 25, 2025. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available. Anyone with any information concerning the case is encouraged to come forward and speak with investigators by calling 807-684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 or online at www.p3tips.com .