Investigation into multi-vehicle collision leads to charges

February 19, 2026

TB26006283


A multi-vehicle collision in Thunder Bay has led to charges.
 
Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Arthur Street area on February 16, 2026, when they observed a pickup truck driving at over 100 kilometres per hour in a residential area.
 
Officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant.
 
The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign.
 
The Traffic Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation.
 
As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR, is facing the following charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Cannabis Control Act, and Criminal Code of Canada:
 
• Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs 
• Dangerous operation 
• Flight from peace officer 
• Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt 
• Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (three counts) 
• Fail to surrender insurance card 
• Driver fail to surrender licence 
• Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle 
• Person under 19 years – possess cannabis 
• Fail to notify change of address 
• Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available 
• Class G1 license holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver
 
The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service acquires ballistics lab for Forensic Identification Unit

August 19, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is pleased to announce the acquisition of a ballistics lab. The facility was developed to provide the Thunder Bay Police Service Forensic Identification (Ident) Unit with a dedicated, controlled space for firearms-related forensic work. The facility will allow trained Ident members to safely conduct test firing and recover bullets and other ballistic evidence for examination and comparison. The container was custom built locally by StrongBox Inc with ballistic safety panels which allows officers to conduct testing in the safest manner. The bullet recovery tank was purchased from Cyber National Inc out of the US which was recommended by the Ontario Centre of Forensic Sciences as one of the best options in North America and is certified to withstand shots up to .50 Caliber ammunition testing. Some of the main benefits include: • A dedicated and controlled environment for firearms testing and bullet recovery. • Improved efficiency by allowing this work to be completed locally rather than relying on outside facilities • Faster processing of firearms-related evidence and reduced delays in investigations • Improved ability to recover bullets in a condition suitable for subsequent forensic examination and comparison • Increased operational capability for the Forensic Identification Unit and support for major and firearms-related investigations The project was supported through Community Safety and Policing (CSP) grant funding, which assisted with the purchase of the bullet recovery system, and other equipment required to establish the facility.

Investigation update

August 18, 2026
TB26032479 Investigation update The Thunder Bay Police Service has updated an ongoing assault investigation to a sudden death investigation. Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1000 block of Dawson Road in the afternoon of August 15, 2026. A female was located and transported to a local hospital with injuries. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe there is no risk to public safety at this time. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.

Primary Response Unit break and enter investigation leads to charges

August 17, 2026
TB26032582 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the 400 block area of Edward Street area around 3:15 AM on Sunday, August 16, 2026 in response to an alarm at a retail location. Officers arrived within minutes and observed that multiple retail locations had been damaged and the suspects had fled. As a result of the ongoing investigation, a person was located and arrested. A 14-year-old was charged with Break and Enter, and Theft Under $5,000. The accused was released with a future court date. The identity of the accused cannot be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.