Fraud Friday: Fraudulent Door-to-Door Canvassers

November 15, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to stay vigilant following reports of people going door-to-door claiming to represent the Salvation Army.


The Salvation Army has confirmed that they are not conducting any door-to-door canvassing. Residents are urged not to provide money or personal information to anyone visiting your home claiming to be collecting donations for the Salvation Army. 


Legitimate volunteers with the Salvation Army are collecting donations at retail locations through their Christmas Kettle Campaign.


The Canadian Red Cross has confirmed that they had been conducting legitimate door-to-door fundraising. That campaign was scheduled to end today. Residents should note the following identifiers of legitimate Red Cross canvassers:


• They wear red vests.

• They are knowledgeable about Red Cross programs.

• They ask for electronic donations only — no cash or cheques are accepted.

• They carry official identification, including a manager’s contact information on the back.


Police encourage residents to use caution with any unsolicited door-to-door requests. When in doubt, do not provide payment or personal details. Instead, contact the organization directly through verified phone numbers or websites.


Anyone who encounters suspicious canvassers or believes they may have been targeted by a scam should report it to police by calling 807-684-1200.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to seizure of an estimated $380,000 in suspected illicit drugs, firearm

June 29, 2026
TB26024146 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs and a firearm. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a business on Memorial Avenue in response to a call for service regarding an individual who may have been in possession of a firearm. Further investigation and a search of the area led to a suspect being identified, located, and arrest. The Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a revolver style handgun, over 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and over $5,000 in cash. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Jasiah MCNICOLLS of Richmond Hill is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – (opioid) • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Missing Person: Leanne BARKMAN, 33

June 29, 2026
TB26024976 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Leanne BARKMAN. BARKMAN is described as an Indigenous female standing 5’ 4”, weighing roughly 160 lbs, with shoulder-length straight brown hair with blonde highlights, and brown eyes. Leanne usually wears black sunglasses. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a light grey tank top, and black short boots with heels. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to aggravated assault charges

June 26, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in aggravated assault charges. On June 24, 2026, officers responded to the Bay Street area in response to a report regarding an assault. On scene an injured male was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified, located, and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Biaggio DONOVAN from Thunder Bay and 32-year-old Marissa DOKUCHIE from Thunder Bay have both been charged with aggravated assault. DONOVAN is also facing a fail to comply with probation order charge. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.