Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

October 7, 2026

TB26033026


A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges.
 
The investigation began on August 19, 2026, in response to a report of a local resident uploading child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) to the Bing search engine.
 
Further investigation led to a suspect being identified.
 
On September 24, 2026, officers searched a home in Thunder Bay and seized multiple electronic devices as part of the investigation.
 
On October 7, 2026, the suspect turned themselves in to Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters.
 
As a result of the investigation, 56-year-old Jeffrey PETERS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material 
• Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material
 
The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
 
The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
 
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.
 
Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and 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.
 
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.
 
Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at 807-684-1200 ex. 407.
 
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Suspect arrested after police respond to weapons call

October 7, 2026
TB26038332 Police officers intervened and stopped an assault in progress where the assailant was in possession of a weapon. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address on Arthur Street West shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, after receiving multiple reports of an assault that was occurring. Information was received that the suspect was wielding a knife while assaulting an adult male. Responding officers located a male matching the suspect description. The suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of a knife. The officers spoke to the victim and learned that the suspect had demanded money before brandishing a knife and committing assault. Zachery JIM, 31, is charged with the following: • Robbery • Assault with a Weapon • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose • Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm The accused individual was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit patrol leads to charges

October 7, 2026
TB26037650 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in charges. Officers were on patrol in the Machar Avenue area on September 18, 2026, when they saw an individual attempting to gain access to a locked vehicle. The suspect fled after officers made initial contact. Officers located and arrested the suspect following a brief foot pursuit. A search of the suspect led to stolen items being located and seized. As a result of the investigation, 25-year-old Darnell BRETHOUR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose · Carrying concealed weapon · Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 · Fail to comply with probation order (two counts)  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

FRAUD ALERT: Police receiving local reports of grandparent scam activity

October 6, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public that there have been several reported incidents of local residents being targeted by the grandparent scam within the last few days. The grandparent scam involves phone calls to potential victims claiming that a family member was involved in an accident or had been arrested, with money being urgently needed to assist with their situation. The fraudster may claim to be a lawyer, police officer, or have some other role with the court system. The scammers may also use spoofing to have call display appear to show a legitimate phone number. These calls typically target elderly residents or other vulnerable individuals. Recent reports have indicated the scammers have been demanding $5,000 and that the potential victim keep the matter a secret. The scam may involve having someone attend the victim’s residence to collect the amount in cash. Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to contact the family member who was allegedly involved. This particular scheme is most often successful when the fraudster is able to create an emotional response from the victim and make them believe the money is urgently needed. This is a common tactic to try to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as an indication that a scam is taking place. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit our Fraud Prevention page or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime