March 2025

March 1, 2025

Along with fostering a learning environment at the Thunder Bay Police Service and developing a sustainable system of policing and police leadership, engaging with our community is one of my top priorities. “Chat with the Chief” events are an opportunity for open dialogue where I listen to concerns, share information, and collaborate to create a safer, stronger community. It’s an exchange of ideas and experiences that helps us all move forward.

For example, earlier this year, I met with the staff at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association (TBMA). During our discussion, I heard firsthand about the perceptions and experiences of newcomers to Canada. As a direct result of that conversation, steps are being taken to better prepare TBMA interpreters before they are involved in police interviews. This way, they can feel safe and confident while supporting families and individuals during sensitive situations.

Engagement with the business community is another key area where positive interactions have progressed. As a result of conversations with local business owners, Thunder Bay Police Service officers delivered information sessions on safety measures, and resources have been developed to help business operators protect their staff, customers, and property. I want to take this opportunity to thank the retail community for their proactive efforts. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility, and it’s through ongoing engagement that we all create safer environments for everyone.

When these conversations uncover opportunities for improvement, I am committed to addressing any proposed improvement. If they reveal a gap in knowledge or understanding, I make sure that information is shared with members of our police service and the community. Your feedback matters, and I take it seriously.

Overall, I am proud to say that the feedback we’ve received from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. People recognize the hard work and dedication of the members of our police service, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team we have. We are committed to working with you to ensure a safe and thriving community for everyone.

More "Chat with the Chief" events will be planned for the spring. If your organization is interested in attending or hosting one, please contact our Director of Corporate Communications at Tracie.Smith@thunderbaypolice.ca

Thank you for your continued support and for being an essential part of this shared effort.


Thunder Bay Police Service investigating criminal harassment

February 7, 2026
TB26003763, TB26003756, TB26004039 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing an investigation into criminal harassment. Officers began an investigation into a suspicious vehicle on January 28, 2026, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. A person in the same truck has been seen attempting to pick up females in Thunder Bay’s downtown cores. The driver is described as an Indigenous male, roughly 40-50 years-old, with a heavy build and a shaved head. The Major Crime Unit, Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (CORE), and the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Officers with the BEAR Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking for other victims that may have been impacted. A tip line (807) - 701 - 5417 has been established. Those providing information to the tip line must include their name and phone number so investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004504 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Margaret Street on February, 03, 2026, as part of the investigation. During the search suspected cocaine, fentanyl, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Two people in the home were also arrested. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay 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 under $5,000 • Failure to comply with release order MCCALLUM remains in custody with a future court date. The second suspect has been released with a future court date and is not being named until their charges are read before the court.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

February 6, 2026
TB26004395 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into a shooting incident has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to the Vale Crescent area on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m. Officers located an injured victim who was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation and identified a suspect. Officers with the Major Crime, Break and Enter and Robbery, Emergency Task, and Intelligence Units arrested a youth offender on February 05, 2026 in the Dawson Road area. As a result, a 17-year-old is facing the following charges: • Attempt to commit murder using firearm • Robbery with intent (two counts) • Reckless discharge of a firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order The accused also has additional outstanding warrants with the Thunder Bay Police Service. They remain in custody with a future court date.