January 2026

January 8, 2026

Multi-unit calls on the rise


There has been a steady growth in the number of times multiple officers are needed to respond to a call for service. 




Some calls involve a higher risk of harm to the people involved, bystanders, or officers. When there is a possibility of violence, weapons, heightened emotions, or multiple people at a scene, sending more than one officer helps ensure everyone’s safety.

 

Generally, two or more officers respond to calls such as:

  • Weapons-related calls
  • Domestic or intimate partner disputes
  • Mental health or wellness concerns
  • Situations where an arrest may be required
  • Disturbances involving several people

 

These calls can change quickly. Having more than one officer allows police to better manage the situation. While multi-unit responses impact the number of officers available to respond to other calls for service, they support de-escalation and safe, respectful interactions. Some calls involve a higher risk of harm to the people involved, bystanders, or officers. When there is a possibility of violence, weapons, heightened emotions, or multiple people at a scene, sending more than one officer helps ensure everyone’s safety.

 

Generally, two or more officers respond to calls such as:

  • Weapons-related calls
  • Domestic or intimate partner disputes
  • Mental health or wellness concerns
  • Situations where an arrest may be required
  • Disturbances involving several people

 

These calls can change quickly. Having more than one officer allows police to better manage the situation. While multi-unit responses impact the number of officers available to respond to other calls for service, they support de-escalation and safe, respectful interactions.

Why We’re Asking for More Police Resources — and What It Means for Our Community


We know that asking for a budget increase is not easy. It comes from city taxes, and residents deserve to understand why it’s needed and what it delivers.

 

The bottom line is that the community is asking for more police resources, experts agree they’re needed, and the data shows real public safety results.

 


The message from the community is clear.



  •  88% of respondents said the most important actions to improve safety are more police presence and faster response times (TBPS 2024 Community Satisfaction Survey).
  • Residents identified crime as the most important issue facing the city that should receive Council’s attention (City of Thunder Bay 2022 – most recent - Citizen Satisfaction Survey).
  •  An independent external consultant has also recommended increasing the number of front-line officers.

 

We use public funds efficiently.


  • In 2024, the average cost per call for service was $1,030. That’s lower than comparable police services, and much less than other emergency services.
  •  Despite tight budgets, our clearance and weighted rates are better than provincial and national averages – meaning more — and more serious — crimes are being solved.

 

 

Why now?


- Efficiency has limits. As call volumes rise and complexity increases, there comes a point when doing more with less is no longer sustainable.

-Smart growth starts with safety. To attract new businesses and residents, Thunder Bay must be safe—and as our city grows, our police service must grow with it. Today, we are policing a population larger than the one we are funded to serve.

-This budget request is about keeping pace with community needs, protecting public safety, and maintaining strong results.

Your Questions Answered:


Q: Do police officers pursue vehicles? 

A: Their priority is always public safety.   Strict safety procedures are used to decide whether to pursue a vehicle. Officers assess the seriousness of the offence, traffic, weather, road conditions, and pedestrian activity before engaging. If the risk is too high, they won’t pursue.

 


If a pursuit begins, officers and supervisors constantly reassess conditions and will slow down or stop the pursuit if it becomes unsafe.

Other tactics are used to avoid a chase —such as gathering licence plate information, coordinating with other units, or following up later.

Officers receive specialized training in safe emergency driving.

 

Q: Does this mean people who refuse to stop will “get away with it”?
A: The goal is to hold people accountable while keeping the community safe.   Choosing not to stop for police is a serious offence. Officers may use safe and effective methods to identify and arrest the person at a later time rather than engage in a risky pursuit.

 

Using tools such as licence plate readers, in-car video, witness accounts, coordinated units, and follow-up investigations, officers can identify the driver without putting the public at unnecessary risk. In most cases, the person is safely arrested shortly after the incident. 


Looking to make a difference every day in your community? Answer the Call.


At the Thunder Bay Police Service, you don’t just work. You protect, support, and inspire.


Explore exciting opportunities for officers and civilians: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers

Update from The Thunder Bay Police Service Board


Passing of Former Chief

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was saddened to learn of the recent passing of former Thunder Bay Police Service Chief, J.P. Levesque, and extends its sincere condolences to his wife Colleen, family members, friends, and former colleagues.


Chief Levesque dedicated more than three decades to policing in Thunder Bay, serving our community in a variety of roles throughout his long career. Chief Levesque led the Service with commitment, professionalism, and a dedication to public service, until his retirement in 2018.


We salute Chief Levesque’s many years of service, and the contributions he made to Thunder Bay.

Service 2026 Proposed Operational Budget

 

At its December 16th meeting, the Board approved the Service’s request for a 9.1% budget increase.

 

The Board acknowledges that this request exceeds the City’s guidance to limit budget increases to 2.6%. However, in recent years—specifically 2024 and 2025—the Service’s budget requests have remained lower than the approved increases for police services in comparable municipalities, including Kingston, Barrie, and Sudbury.

 

While each municipality faces unique challenges, Thunder Bay’s policing needs remain significant. 

 

The Service has advised that the current request is driven primarily by the need to add frontline officers, which is essential to addressing crime and meeting broader community safety needs.

 

The Board recognizes that this budget reflects priorities identified by the community through extensive consultations conducted as part of the Strategic Plan development process. The Board is confident these continued strategic investments in community safety will bring sustained and long term positive progress. 

 

Board 2025 Budget Update

 

The budget is generally on track, with the exception of the “Legal Fees – Indemnification” account. Under certain agreements, the Board may be required to cover legal costs for members of the Thunder Bay Police Service. Recent activity, which is higher than usual, has resulted in additional costs beyond the Board’s control. Based on what has been spent and what is expected, it is likely that 2025 will end with a budget shortfall in this area.

 

2026 Board Meeting Dates

 

The Board’s 2026 meeting dates have been announced. The Board welcomes members of the public and media to attend each meeting in -person, at Board Headquarters at 1111 Victoria Ave E, Unit #102. Alternatively, members of the public and media may view Board meetings ‘live’ via the Board’s livestream: http://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html

 

Board Meetings are also broadcast ‘live’ locally on Rogers TV Thunder Bay (Channel 10 and 105 for Rogers Cable subscribers.)

  • Tuesday January 20, 2026
  • Tuesday February 17, 2026
  • Tuesday March 17, 2026
  • Tuesday April 21, 2026
  • Tuesday May 19, 2026
  • Tuesday June 16, 2026
  • Tuesday July 21, 2026 (tentative)
  • Tuesday August 18, 2026 (tentative)
  • Tuesday September 15, 2026
  • Tuesday October 20, 2026
  • Tuesday November 17, 2026
  • Tuesday December 15, 2026

 

Thank You

 

The Board extends its thanks to all stakeholders, partners, and community members, and wishes you all the best for 2026.

 

The Board welcomes all feedback, questions, and comments. Please get in touch: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/contact/

 

The Board remains committed to maintaining a strong and effective governance structure as it transitions into the new year, with a focus on implementation of our 2025- 2028 Strategic Plan, while ensuring that we continue to build solid relationships and partnerships with all of our communities.

 


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.

Project Eclipse leads to seizure of over $39,000 in stolen items and 256 charges

April 20, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation called Project Eclipse has led to the seizure of over $39,000 in stolen items and 256 charges. The Thunder Bay Police Service Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit led the investigation. The successful completion of this lengthy investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation. The investigation began in September 2025, running through February 2026. The project investigated thefts and robberies from numerous businesses in Thunder Bay. As a result of the investigation, the following charges have been laid: Edward HOGAN, 45, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (six counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Fraud under $5,000 Aren POULIN, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Christine PAULSON, 27, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Cody ALEXSON, 32, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Bradley Aho, 43, from Thunder Bay, is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Shaun TAYLOR, 42, from St Catharines is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) Christian NEEKAN, 32, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 (two counts) Brandon THIBAULT, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) Mervyn MEEKIS, 30, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting. Cory TOAL, 48, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (three counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime Jeffrey LEWIS, 47, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts) Jordan FISHER, 34, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Breach of recognizance • Failure to comply with release order • Failure to comply with undertaking • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting Leela JOURDAIN, 40, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) Sonny PATAYASH, 32, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) Maggie WABASSE, 33, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting. Richard PARKER, 31, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (nine counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (nine counts) Adam BABOOLAL, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (five counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Fraud under $5,000 Carolyn COASTER, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) Drew MITCHELL, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with a probation order Harlan NANOKEESIC, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Frances WABASSE, 33, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Leo MANNING, 30, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) Ralph ACKABEE, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Obstruct peace officer Geraldine INEESE, 39, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Gary MATHEWS, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Obstruct peace officer • Fail to comply with probation order Lester BOUCHARD, 49, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two charges) • Assault Kelsie COLLINS, 38, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Justin ESQUEGA, 32, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Assault a peace officer • Resist a peace officer • Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) Robert CAUL, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Samantha FOX, 34, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Bonnie THOMAS, 34, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) Marly KAKEKAYASH, 35, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting. Colton CORMIER, 31, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Obstruct peace officer • Fail to comply with probation order(nine counts) Jason ANDERSON, 37, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order Jose MENDOZA CHICAS, 46, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) Ryland BRISKA, 35, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 (four counts) Fawn TOSET, 43, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Rachel ANDERSON, 50, of Thunder Bay and Samantha MUNROE, 33, of Thunder Bay have been charged with theft under $5,000. Jordin FLYNN, 40, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Peter-James ARNOLD, 40, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (six counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime (four counts) • Fraud under $5,000 (three counts) Kendra WAINWRIGHT, 33, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Jason MORGAN, 50, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Jonah THOMAS, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) • Fail to comply with undertaking Corey ESSLEMONT, 39, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with undertaking (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 Jeffrey PERREAULT, 53, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm • Fail to comply with probation order Travis LOZER, 32, from Thunder Bay has been charged with Fraud under $5000. Keenan MATTINAS, 27, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Carrying concealed weapon • Disobeying order of court • Fail to comply with release order Dalton DEAN, 24, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order John CLEMENZA, 59, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Dakota SAGUTCH, 32, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence (four counts) • Disguise with intent (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) Megan TOWEDO, 36, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence (four counts) • Disguise with intent (four counts) Simon ANGECONEB, 30, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Robbery with violence • Fail to comply with probation order Anthony FRIZZELL, 65, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Robbery with violence • Disguise with intent (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) • Robbery Steven GERMAIN, 34, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Christopher HILL, 37, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) Quinn CHEECHOO, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Brandon STUCKLESS, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Dangerous operation Mickey NEALE, 40, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order • Fail to comply with release order (two counts) Thomas STARESKI, 44, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (22 counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Vehicle theft investigation leads to several charges

April 14, 2026
Update: TB26013520, TB26013636, TB26013331, TB26013233, TB26013087, TB26012596, TB26013449, TB26012768, TB26008439, TB26600553, TB25600502 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple vehicle thefts has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit began the investigation on March 5, 2026, in response to encountering a stolen vehicle. Two suspects in the case fled from officers on more than one occasion during the investigation. Through the investigation, two suspects connected to the vehicle thefts were identified. On April 13, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Jeffrey BARNWELL from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Dangerous operation (four counts) • Flight from peace officer (four counts) • Operation while prohibited (four counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 • Theft under $5,000 (three counts) • Failure to comply with probation order (four counts) • Failure to comply with release order • Disobey court order • Cause disturbance • Assault with a weapon • Mischief under $5,000 Some of the accused’s charges relate to outstanding warrants. On April 14, 2026, following a police standoff in the Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue area, officers arrested a second suspect. As a result, Bradley TOMECK a 36-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (five counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (three counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Dangerous operation • Use of credit card • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (16 counts)