Missing Person: Dennis LESNICK, 19
May 7, 2026
TB26016630
The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 19-year-old Dennis LESNICK.
Dennis was last seen on April 30, 2026, in the Belton Road area.
He is described as a white male, standing 5’ 6”, with a thin build, shoulder length blonde hair, and blue eyes.
LESNICK adjusts his facial hair at times, often seen with mustache or a goatee.
If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200.
Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
Project Support: Downtown Core Stabilization Q. What is it? A. The pilot project began on April 20 and will continue for 60 days. It involves teams conducting visible foot patrols in North and South downtown cores to deter disorder, respond quickly to concerns, and increase public confidence. Each patrol team is paired with a Social Navigator and/or Community Integration Team (CIT) Coordinator, ensuring service engagement is the first point of contact. Individuals are offered referrals to addiction treatment, mental health services, housing supports, and other appropriate resources. Q. What sort of safety concerns led to this project? A. We’re responding to concerns we’ve heard consistently about unsafe behaviours, trespassing, vandalism, public intoxication. This is a proactive initiative aimed at improving safety in shared public spaces in downtown cores. Our goal is to help connect people with the assistance that best suits their needs. Q. How does this address the needs of people? A. Our focus and first contact is outreach. Our main goal is to connect people with the most appropriate social services to suit their needs. Criminal enforcement may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in shared public spaces in downtown cores persists. Q. Will this reduce police availability for other calls for service? A. The initiative is being operated by our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and will not directly impact Primary Response Unit staffing or response time.
TB26016708 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has led to a large drug seizure and charges. The investigation began in April 2026. On May 5, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect and searched a home and vehicle in the Munro Street area. During the searches a total of over 700 grams of suspected cocaine was seized, along with over $20,000 in Canadian cash. The estimated street value of the suspected illicit drugs is $70,000. As a result of the investigation, 30-year-old Jayden MASSEY from Ajax, Ontario is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance.
TB25038076 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has led to charges. The investigation began in September 2025, after the Cyber Crime Unit received information about an individual in the city uploading Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) to their Google Photos account. In February 2026, a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of multiple electronic devices. On May 5, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Ira BENSON from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Make child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Sexual assault The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.
