January 2025

January 6, 2025

TBPS Bring MMIWG2S Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill


For the first time ever, a Tree of Hope was brought to Parliament Hill. First introduced in 2019 at the Thunder Bay Police Service, the project raises awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people (MMIWG2S). On December 14, 2024, Police Chief Darcy Fleury, Elders, drummers, Minister of Indigenous Service Canada Patty Hajdu, Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, and other guests gathered to light the MMIWG2S Tree of Hope in Ottawa. The red lights honor those lost and offer solace to grieving families, reminding them their loved ones are not forgotten. Chief Fleury emphasized the police's commitment to advocate for and protect Indigenous communities.



Toys to connect with and calm kids


Thunder Bay Police Service and Thunder Bay CMHA IMPACT personnel recently visited the Salvation Army Journey to Life Centre to pick up some special passengers. Gary Ferguson, CEO of the Centre, had an abundance of donated, brand-new stuffed toys. They were shared with members of our Primary Response Branch to give to children they encounter when responding to calls for service. The toys provide comfort to little ones during what can be stressful and challenging situations. 

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service was also fortunate to receive a box of stuffed teddy bears donated by Police Retirees of Ontario. This group knows that sharing a toy can go a long way to help break the ice when children are scared or upset. Our service is very grateful for the thoughtful support.


Fostering trust and accountability

The Thunder Bay Police Service has always held its officers to the highest standards of professional conduct. As the community may be aware, the Community Safety and Policing Act was brought into force in 2024 replacing the Police Services Act. Regulations made under the new Act included an updated Code of Conduct for police officers as well the introduction of a Code of Conduct for Special Constables. Further, these regulations now legislate the requirement for Police Officers and Special Constables to report the conduct of another member if they reasonably believe or ought to believe that the other member’s actions constitute misconduct. 

 

Our members receive ongoing training through various means with respect to peer intervention and compliance with the Codes of Conduct. Our dedication to professionalism and integrity in serving the community remains unwavering. We are proud to continue fostering trust and accountability in our police service.


Your Questions Answered: What does TBPS do about Home-Takeovers?

Home takeovers are generally connected to the drug trade and often involve unwanted guests taking advantage of vulnerable people. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigated and made arrests in relation to several home takeovers. Specific responses vary depending on the public safety risk and information obtained by the Thunder Bay Police during the investigation.

 

Community members can help by keeping an eye on their neighbours. Call us if you notice unusual activity such as increased traffic to a home with unfamiliar people or disturbances throughout the day or night.

The information can help to build an ongoing case, which can lead to arrests. 

  • Call 807-684-1200 and make a report.
  • Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/273

 

Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

October 2, 2026
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving Thunder Bay Police Service officers that occurred in June 2026. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded their investigation with no further process. 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/en/news_template.php?nrid=11497

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI 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 – opioid (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN 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 – opioid • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK 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 – opioid All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.