December 2025

December 18, 2025

As we enter the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyful time with your families.

 

Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives with us this year—at Chat with the Chief events, the Chamber of Commerce Leaders’ Luncheon, through surveys, and other community engagements. Your input continues to help shape the future of policing in Thunder Bay.

 

Another opportunity to share your voice is now available. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey about the Thunder Bay Police Service is now available. It asks for feedback on policing priorities, reasons crimes may go unreported, respect for the public, and overall service quality. If you see an ad on social media, I encourage you to participate. If not, you can still take part here: https://surveys.zencity.io/thunder-bay-ps/CtAdnO/en?s=sd

 

Last month, we were joined by many community members for the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The initiative began here in 2019, inspired by now retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau and supported by the Thunder Bay Police Association. This year, we were proud to see several police services across Ontario host their own ceremonies for the first time, using the toolkit developed by our team.

 

I also want to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Association members who volunteered to bring the Parade of Lights to our community in support of four important charities. Their dedication reflects the strong commitment our members show on and off duty.

 

Finally, thank you to the City of Thunder Bay for its commitment to improving our headquarters. These upgrades will address long-standing health, safety, space, and technology deficiencies and support modern policing needs. This investment will make a meaningful difference for our members and the community we serve.

 

We have much to look forward to in 2026. I wish you and your families every happiness in the year ahead.

 

Happy holidays,

 

Chief Darcy Fleury

Suspended tow truck operator facing charges

January 5, 2026
TB26000337

SIU concludes Thunder Bay investigation

December 31, 2025
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving a Thunder Bay Police Service officer that occurred in September 2025. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded its investigation. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/siu-concludes-investigation-into-thunder-bay-collision-en10888

Charges laid following hit and run collision

December 31, 2025
TB25035077 Charges have been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) investigation into a hit and run collision. On September 1, 2025 officers responded to a collision at the intersection of May Street North and Finlayson Street. Upon arrival officers located two damaged cars, but only one driver. The other driver had fled the scene. It was determined that the driver that fled the scene failed to pull over for a traffic stop prior to the collision. Further investigation led to the missing driver being located and arrested on December 15, 2025, by the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) with the assistance of TBPS. As a result, 54-year-old Eric LINDSTROM is facing the following charges in relation to the September 01, 2025 collision: • Operation while prohibited • Flight from peace officer • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm • Fail to stop at scene of accident resulting in bodily harm • Obstruct / resist peace officer • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Breach of probation • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (cocaine) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (fentanyl) • Breach of Release Order During the Thunder Bay Police Service investigation $10,405.00 in cash was seized along with a 2.24g of fentanyl valued at roughly $560. During the December 15, 2025 arrest, TBPS officers seized an additional $5560.30 in cash along with 263 grams of suspected meth, 41 grams of suspected fentanyl and 11 grams of suspected cocaine leading to several additional charges being laid against Eric LINDSTROM including: • Operation while prohibited • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Weapons Dangerous (Pepper Spray) • Breach of Release Order • Fail to Comply with Probation The total street value of the drugs seized during the arrest is $48,170. The accused remains in custody with a future court date.