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.

 

Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 18, 2025
TB25045371

Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 17, 2025
TB25045371

Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.