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


Investigation into multi-vehicle collision leads to charges

February 19, 2026
TB26006283 A multi-vehicle collision in Thunder Bay has led to charges. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Arthur Street area on February 16, 2026, when they observed a pickup truck driving at over 100 kilometres per hour in a residential area. Officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign. The Traffic Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR, is facing the following charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Cannabis Control Act, and Criminal Code of Canada: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Dangerous operation • Flight from peace officer • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (three counts) • Fail to surrender insurance card • Driver fail to surrender licence • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle • Person under 19 years – possess cannabis • Fail to notify change of address • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available • Class G1 license holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

February 2026

February 18, 2026
Online Reporting: freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents Since launching a new online reporting service last February, the Thunder Bay Police Service has become a national leader in the use of the technology. The reporting platform allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online from anywhere, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence. The system redirects thousands of calls away from frontline response, freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents. 677 online reports were submitted in January, 2026. “This is a good example of one of the many ways we enhance efficiency,” noted Chief Darcy Fleury. “The community has access to a convenient reporting tool, and officers can focus on priority responses.” People can use the online portal to report theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. The platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report. Daniyar Akhmedjanov, Co-founder of Rubicon - the online reporting platform – was recently in Thunder Bay to see how our team members have grown the system. “TBPS has built one of the most developed virtual/alternate response operations in the country – so we came to learn from the best (and bring those lessons back to other agencies),” he said. 

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 17, 2026
TB26006264 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into drug trafficking has led to multiple arrests and charges. On February 17, 2026 officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Golf Links Road. During the search, three individuals in the home were arrested, and suspected cocaine, fentanyl, a loaded handgun, and more than $19,000 in cash were seized. Over 3.36 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 285 grams of suspected fentanyl were seized. The estimated street value of the drugs is over $488,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Christie REID from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon Justin SKINNER a 48-year-old of Thunder Bay, is also facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (five counts) Jaylon VIKER a 23-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Failure to comply with release order All of the accused remain in custody with a future court date.