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.

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

August 8, 2026
TB26029440 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers were dispatched to the Pine Street area on July 26, 2026, in response to a call for service regarding a theft. The suspect had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 43-year-old Brandon SMITH of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Robbery – violence immediately before-after · Mischief under $5,000 · Forcible entry · Failure to comply with release order  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Project Rave leads to significant suspected illicit drug seizure, dozens of charges

August 7, 2026
TB24047484 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has led to dozens of charges and a significant suspected illicit drug seizure. The investigation dubbed Project Rave focused on targeting drug trafficking activities in the downtown north core. The investigation focused on individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and the disruption of associated criminal networks operating in the area. Project Rave resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of approximately $300,000. The investigation also led to the arrest of six individuals, with a total of 37 charges laid under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. As a result of this investigation, the following seizures were made: • 2761.59 grams suspected Cocaine • 1167 suspected Percocet tablets • 383 grams suspected Crystal Methamphetamine • Currency more than $5000 • 2 vehicles • Brass knuckles and switchblade • 5 cellular devices • 4 digital scales Investigators additionally seized two vehicles and more than $5,000 in Canadian. On July 16, 2026, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, executed five search warrants at locations throughout the City of Thunder Bay. As a result of this investigation, the following individuals have been arrested as a result of Project Rave: David CAIRNS, 41 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (five counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (six counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Trentin HOLMQUIST, 22 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (four counts) • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (three counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Erica NEVERLY, 40 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • 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 Melanie PRIMEAU, 29 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • 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 proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Celina SUTHERLAND, 39 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Jesse DAROSA, 35 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence CAIRNS and HOLMQUIST were remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. The remaining accused were released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation. The Thunder Bay Police Service also acknowledges valuable contributions of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Sudbury Police Service, and the Winnipeg Police Service, whose partnerships and assistance were instrumental to the success of this investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.

Missing Person: Clifton LOON, 25

August 6, 2026
TB26030592 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Clifton LOON. Clifton was last seen on August 3, 2026, in the Oliver Road area. LOON is described as an Indigenous male, standing 6’0”, weighing approximately 180 lbs, with black brush-cut hair, and brown eyes. Loon also has a tattoo on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and black pants. 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.