October 2025

October 27, 2025

Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it.


From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe.


At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities.


While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city.


That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay.


The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.



Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.

Charges laid following elder abuse investigation

March 16, 2026
TB25005649 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into elder abuse has resulted in charges. The investigation began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place on January 30, 2025 at a long-term care facility in Thunder Bay. An 86-year-old resident sustained injuries while in the care of a staff member. Additional unrelated and unreported injuries were later confirmed. No documentation of the injuries was located by officers. The victim died on March 06, 2025 as a result of the injuries. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigation identified the long-term care facility failed to take the reasonable steps to prevent any serious bodily harm or death to residents and attempted to delay and obstruct a police investigation. As a result of the investigation, Marina GILBERT, 52, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code. Furthermore, Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home has also been charged with: • Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code • Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information - particularly from the period of December 19, 2024 to March 6, 2025 - that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 317-0145. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/protecting-seniors

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

March 16, 2026
TB26009320 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs. The investigation began on January 12, 2026, in response to reports of suspected drug trafficking. On March 12, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit searched a home in the Algoma Street area. During the search suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, a stun gun and items associated with drug trafficking were seized. As a result of the investigation, 48-year-old Robert NICHOLSON and 40-year-old Courtney VANDENBROEKE, both from Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • 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 a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine • Unauthorized possession of weapon NICHOLSON has also been charged with two failure to comply with a release order charges. Both of the accused were remanded into custody after their first court appearance.

Update - Missing Person - Daniella NEKULIAK, 62

March 14, 2026
TB26009342 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniella NEKULIAK, 62. Daniella was last seen on Algoma Street North walking towards Boulevard Lake around 9:30 AM on the morning of Thursday March 12, 2026. She is described as a female, that stands roughly 5'4'’ tall with a medium build. She has medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a grey wool hat, white fleece jacket under a black puffy jacket, black pants, grey gloves, and brown and grey Sorel OUT N ABOUT IV Classic Women's Waterproof Boots with a white outsole. The Thunder Bay Police Service is asking for residents to check their yards, sheds, and vehicles and review any video surveillance for anyone matching her description. Officers are also looking for dashcam footage along Algoma Street North from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, on Thursday March 12, 2026. Residents in the Boulevard Lake area are also asked to remain on the lookout for anyone matching Daniella's description. If a member of the public spots Daniella, they are asked to call 911. To report any other information regarding the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. A heavy police presence continues to be expected in the Red River Road and St Patrick Square area. The Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police are assisting in the ongoing search.