July 2025

July 7, 2025
Community questions answered


We’re answering your questions submitted to news@thunderbaypolice.ca. 


"If officers are really busy, how do they have time for things like community walks and serving pizza?"

We’re proud to be part of community events because it’s a great way to support important causes and connect with people. A lot of our officers and staff even volunteer their own time to help out and show their support. Our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and Community Inclusion Team members also get involved to build stronger relationships with the community. Being present is part of serving our community.


How does TBPS support vulnerable people?

The Thunder Bay Police Service works to protect vulnerable people by focusing on major issues like guns, gangs, and drugs—crimes that often affect and even target those who are most vulnerable. Concentrating on these activities directly reduces incidents of violence and improves public safety.


On a daily basis, our approach is compassionate and community-focused, aiming to improve safety and well-being:

  • Mental Health Response: Our IMPACT teams pair police officers with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) workers to respond to crisis calls. In the first year, the program reached over 1,600 people.
  • Support and Training: Officers are trained to de-escalate situations and connect people with support services. A Social Navigation Coordinator also helps individuals access care and reduce repeat interactions with police.
  • Community Partnerships: We work with 30+ local organizations to address social challenges through collaboration and ongoing dialogue.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: We know police aren’t always the right resource. Our Social Navigator links people to the help they need and advocates for more funding and public awareness to support long-term solutions.


We're Hiring


What if your next job wasn’t just about earning a paycheque — but creating real, lasting change in your community? At the Thunder Bay Police Service, you don’t just work. You protect, support, and inspire.


Every call. Every shift. Every moment — it counts.


A new career with serious purpose starts here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers


Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board


This month, the Board said goodbye to a long-serving and dedicated public servant, Board Secretary/Administrator John Hannam.


The Board would like to thank and recognize John for his invaluable service, commitment, and dedication to the Board. We congratulate John on his upcoming retirement and wish him all the best. 


Thank you to our media partners for sharing this news with our communities: https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/after-decades-with-the-police-board-senior-administrator-calls-it-a-career-10822861


Also in June, the Board released its inaugural Annual Report (2024.)


Coming up in July, the Board will release its Q2 report.


The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to participate in two flag-raising ceremonies this month: The raising of the Anishinabek Nation flag in recognition of National Indigenous People’s Day and The raising of the Progress Pride flag in recognition of Pride Month.

Thunder Bay Police respond to weapons call on city’s north end

January 18, 2026
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.