Primary Response Unit investigation leads to charges
August 17, 2026
TB26030639
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit Investigation has led to multiple charges.
On August 3, 2026, officers were dispatched to a business in the Memorial Avenue area in response to a report regarding an assault.
Two suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving.
A search of the area led to the suspects being located and arrested.
As a result of the investigation, 26-year-old Joseph MACHIMITY of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges:
• Robbery with violence
• Fail to comply with probation order
As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Joshua WAPOOSE from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges:
• Robbery with violence
• Fail to comply with probation order
Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB26032479 The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an assault on the city’s north side. Officers were dispatched to the area of the 1000 block of Dawson Road in the afternoon of August 15, 2026. A female was located and transported to a local hospital with injuries. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe there is no risk to public safety at this time. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.
A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. As part of the investigation, officers with the Intelligence Unit and the Break Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ray Boulevard area on the evening of August 13, 2026. During the search, three individuals were located and arrested. As a result of this investigation, the following seizures were made: • Over 700 grams of suspected cocaine • Over 56 grams of suspected fentanyl • A handgun • Canadian currency • Items associated with drug trafficking. The street value of the drugs seized is over $100,000.00. 48-year-old Leroy WEBB, of Thunder Bay, was charged with: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Careless storage of a firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm • Possession of a firearm obtained by crime • Obstructing police. 32-year-old Elmer MOONIAS and an additional suspect, both of Thunder Bay, are 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. MOONIAS and WEBB were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. A female suspect was released with a future court date.
TB26032172 A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) response has resulted in multiple charges, including Assault Police. An officer with the Primary Response Unit responded to a call regarding a robbery in the Thunder Centre area at around 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Upon arrival, the suspect was identified by staff at the retail store and was approached by the officer at a nearby riverbank. The suspect resisted arrest and engaged in an assault against the officer. A taser was deployed and the suspect continued to resist arrest. A bystander became involved in the interaction, impeding the officer’s response. Additional Primary Response officers arrived to assist in the arrests of the suspects. “We must be clear: this was not a routine or harmless interaction - it was a dangerous event with the potential for far more severe consequences for all parties involved,” said TBPS Acting Chief Jeremy Pearson. 32-year-old Tyson FIDDLER, of Thunder Bay, is facing the following charges: • Robbery • Theft • Assault Police • Resist Arrest • Identity Fraud • Fail to Comply with Probation Order. FIDDLER was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. An additional person is charged with Obstructing Police and was released with a future court date.
