Intelligence Unit investigation leads to charges

April 21, 2026

A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation with the assistance of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau has led to charges.
 
On April 16th, 2026, two homes and two vehicles were searched on Anten Street and John Street.
 
During the searches officers seized approximately 90 grams of suspected cocaine, a small amount of suspected fentanyl and more than $40,000 in Canadian cash.
 
The street value of the drugs seized is estimated at $12,000.
 
During the searches four suspects were located and arrested.
 
As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Emmanuel OWUSU from Toronto is facing the following charges: 
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000
 
The accused was released from custody with a future court date.
 
Glenn BERNST a 61-year-old 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 – other drugs 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 
• Failure to comply with undertaking
 
The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance with a future court date.
 
A 31-year-old 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 – other drugs 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
 
A 44-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: 
• Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
 
The unnamed accused’s charges have not been read in court as they have been released under an undertaking with a future court date.

Update: Missing Person - Nodin Skunk, 25 & Ashlynn BOTTLE, 23

May 12, 2026
TB26016192 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Nodin SKUNK and 23-year-old Ashlynn BOTTLE They were last seen together on April 26, 2026, at 5:12 PM at the old Pool 8 grain elevator in the 400 block of Syndicate Avenue South. Nodin SKUNK is described as an Indigenous male, standing 5'9", weighing roughly 135 pounds, with a thin build, short straight black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white logo on the back. Ashlynn BOTTLE is described as an Indigenous female, standing 5’3”, with a thin build, long straight black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black crop top, a black jacket, a red baseball cap, burgundy sweatpants, red and white Jordan shoes, and a black backpack that is brown around the bottom. If you have any information about the whereabouts of these missing persons, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Police Week Underway Following Flag Raising at City Hall

May 11, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service marked the start of National Police Week alongside the City of Thunder Bay with a formal proclamation from the Mayor, declaring Police Week in Thunder Bay beginning May 11, 2026. National Police Week is observed across Canada each May to recognize the dedication and service of police officers, police professionals, and volunteers who work to keep communities safe. The local proclamation serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of Thunder Bay Police Service members and the important role they play in supporting public safety and community well being. “This proclamation is a meaningful way to recognize the work of our sworn and civilian members,” said Chief of Police Darcy Fleury. “Every day, our members serve the community with professionalism, care, and dedication, often in challenging circumstances. Police Week gives us an opportunity to thank them and to recognize the shared responsibility we all have in building safe and healthy communities.” During Police Week, the Thunder Bay Police Service is hosting Coffee with a Cop events, providing opportunities for residents to meet local officers, ask questions, and engage in informal conversations. These events are intended to foster open dialogue and strengthen relationships between police and the community. The first Coffee with a Cop event is taking place on Thursday at Dolce Coffee House starting at 11:00 AM. Following the proclamation, the Thunder Bay Police Service flag was raised at city hall for the week. The Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters will also be illuminated red and blue during the evenings for the week. The Thunder Bay Police Service thanks the Mayor and City of Thunder Bay for their continued support and for recognizing Police Week as part of National Police Week across Canada.

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.