April 2025

April 1, 2025

In response to community requests, we are sharing data regarding our calls for service via our social media channels. I invite you to follow Thunder Bay Police Service on Facebook and Instagram to see regular summaries like this one issued on April 15:


From April 7-13, the Thunder Bay Police Service received 951 calls for service, which included 23 that were dispatched as reported assaults and 10 others that potentially involved weapons.


What the numbers don’t reflect is the complexity behind calls for service. For example, last weekend there were 270 calls for service. While this is a lower number than we often see, our officers were very busy responding to a shooting incident, as well as:


  • 26 individuals taken into custody
  • 18 Intimate Partner Violence-related calls that resulted in 5 additional custodies
  • 17 Mental Health Act calls resulting in 6 apprehensions
  • 6 persons reported missing and located

 

From March 15 to April 15 this year, there were 825 Priority 1 calls. Priority 1 to 3 calls need immediate officer response because there is a real and current threat to life or of serious injury, such as a person being assaulted. Priority 1 calls are those with the most serious threats, often with weapons involved.


Our officers work tirelessly every day to serve and protect our community, and they are well supported by our dedicated members behind the scenes. I am proud of all they do every day to keep our community safe.


All community members are invited to learn more about our calls for service, safety initiatives, and priorities at an upcoming Chat with the Chief event:


Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm                   

BCG Thunder Bay, Windsor Street               


Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30)

Waverly Resource Library, Red River Road


 

Questions from the community are welcome. To submit questions ahead of the events, visit https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH


I encourage you to share this message with your colleagues and teams. To unsubscribe, contact news@thunderbaypolice.ca


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. 

Thunder Bay Police Service announces the extension of Project Support

June 26, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is announcing the extension of Project Support: A Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative. The pilot project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit (ETU) is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The project was set to operate for 60 days from April 20, 2026, to June 19, 2026. The extension will keep the project running until September 1, 2026. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. During patrols, the first step of contact is with a TBPS Social Navigator offering referrals to appropriate services like social services, or addiction supports. If an individual declines to be referred but continues to participate in unlawful, or disruptive activities like illicit drug use, then officers will proceed with enforcement. From April 20 through the end of May, Project Support has recorded: • 1,485 community contacts • 113 referrals generated, 53 accepted • 25 warrants executed during downtown patrols Throughout the pilot project, downtown core businesses have provided feedback on the initiative. As Project Support continues, patrols will continue to be focused on the following areas: • Red River Road • Cumberland Street • Court Street • Algoma Street • May Street • Victoriaville area Priority areas within the patrol zones will include: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement Following the completion of the Project, TBPS will conduct a formal evaluation and will make a determination regarding continuation into the fall.

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit investigation leads to charge

June 24, 2026
TB25036573 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit investigation has resulted in a charge. On September 11, 2025, officers responded to a report of a collision involving a Thunder Bay Transit bus and a pedestrian in the George Street and May Street South area. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. The Traffic Unit and Forensic Identification Unit became involved in the investigation. On June 22, 2026, the driver attended the Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters to turn themselves in. As a result of the investigation, a 50-year-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm The unnamed accused’s charges have not been read in court as they have been released under an undertaking with a future court date.