Man charged with drug trafficking, weapons charges

April 25, 2025

Police arrested a man breaching violating driving prohibitions, which led to the seizure of quantities of suspected illicit substances and weapons.

A Thunder Bay Police Service officer with the Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit observed a male operating a vehicle that was known to be a prohibited driver on the south side of the city around noon on Thursday, April 24. The licence plates on the vehicle were registered to a different vehicle.

 

The suspect was seen leaving the vehicle and entering a business in the 300 block of May Street South. The suspect was arrested by the BEAR Unit with assistance from Primary Response officers.

 

The suspect was found to be in possession of quantities of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with multiple knives, cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

 

Terry Allen PELTO, 37, is charged with the following:

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited x2

 

In addition, PELTO is charged with multiple offences under the Highway Traffic Act.

 

The accused appeared in court on Friday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

 

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to seizure of an estimated $380,000 in suspected illicit drugs, firearm

June 29, 2026
TB26024146 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs and a firearm. On June 23, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to a business on Memorial Avenue in response to a call for service regarding an individual who may have been in possession of a firearm. Further investigation and a search of the area led to a suspect being identified, located, and arrest. The Intelligence Unit became involved in the investigation. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a revolver style handgun, over 1.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, and over $5,000 in cash. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Jasiah MCNICOLLS of Richmond Hill is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – (opioid) • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of a firearm knowing serial number has been tampered with The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Missing Person: Leanne BARKMAN, 33

June 29, 2026
TB26024976 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Leanne BARKMAN. BARKMAN is described as an Indigenous female standing 5’ 4”, weighing roughly 160 lbs, with shoulder-length straight brown hair with blonde highlights, and brown eyes. Leanne usually wears black sunglasses. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a light grey tank top, and black short boots with heels. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to aggravated assault charges

June 26, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in aggravated assault charges. On June 24, 2026, officers responded to the Bay Street area in response to a report regarding an assault. On scene an injured male was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified, located, and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Biaggio DONOVAN from Thunder Bay and 32-year-old Marissa DOKUCHIE from Thunder Bay have both been charged with aggravated assault. DONOVAN is also facing a fail to comply with probation order charge. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.