A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation called Project Eclipse has led to the seizure of over $39,000 in stolen items and 256 charges. The Thunder Bay Police Service Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit led the investigation. The successful completion of this lengthy 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 investigation began in September 2025, running through February 2026. The project investigated thefts and robberies from numerous businesses in Thunder Bay. As a result of the investigation, the following charges have been laid: Edward HOGAN, 45, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (six counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Fraud under $5,000 Aren POULIN, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Christine PAULSON, 27, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Cody ALEXSON, 32, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Bradley Aho, 43, from Thunder Bay, is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Shaun TAYLOR, 42, from St Catharines is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) Christian NEEKAN, 32, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 (two counts) Brandon THIBAULT, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) Mervyn MEEKIS, 30, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting. Cory TOAL, 48, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (three counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime Jeffrey LEWIS, 47, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts) Jordan FISHER, 34, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Breach of recognizance • Failure to comply with release order • Failure to comply with undertaking • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting Leela JOURDAIN, 40, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) Sonny PATAYASH, 32, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) Maggie WABASSE, 33, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting. Richard PARKER, 31, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (nine counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (nine counts) Adam BABOOLAL, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (five counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Fraud under $5,000 Carolyn COASTER, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) Drew MITCHELL, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with a probation order Harlan NANOKEESIC, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Frances WABASSE, 33, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Leo MANNING, 30, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) Ralph ACKABEE, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Obstruct peace officer Geraldine INEESE, 39, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Gary MATHEWS, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting • Obstruct peace officer • Fail to comply with probation order Lester BOUCHARD, 49, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two charges) • Assault Kelsie COLLINS, 38, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Justin ESQUEGA, 32, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Assault a peace officer • Resist a peace officer • Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) Robert CAUL, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Samantha FOX, 34, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Bonnie THOMAS, 34, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) Marly KAKEKAYASH, 35, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting. Colton CORMIER, 31, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Obstruct peace officer • Fail to comply with probation order(nine counts) Jason ANDERSON, 37, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order Jose MENDOZA CHICAS, 46, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) Ryland BRISKA, 35, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 (four counts) Fawn TOSET, 43, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Rachel ANDERSON, 50, of Thunder Bay and Samantha MUNROE, 33, of Thunder Bay have been charged with theft under $5,000. Jordin FLYNN, 40, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting. Peter-James ARNOLD, 40, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (six counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime (four counts) • Fraud under $5,000 (three counts) Kendra WAINWRIGHT, 33, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Jason MORGAN, 50, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000. Jonah THOMAS, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) • Fail to comply with undertaking Corey ESSLEMONT, 39, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) • Fail to comply with undertaking (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 Jeffrey PERREAULT, 53, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm • Fail to comply with probation order Travis LOZER, 32, from Thunder Bay has been charged with Fraud under $5000. Keenan MATTINAS, 27, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Carrying concealed weapon • Disobeying order of court • Fail to comply with release order Dalton DEAN, 24, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order John CLEMENZA, 59, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Dakota SAGUTCH, 32, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence (four counts) • Disguise with intent (three counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) Megan TOWEDO, 36, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence (four counts) • Disguise with intent (four counts) Simon ANGECONEB, 30, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Robbery with violence • Fail to comply with probation order Anthony FRIZZELL, 65, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Robbery with violence • Disguise with intent (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) • Robbery Steven GERMAIN, 34, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Christopher HILL, 37, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) Quinn CHEECHOO, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting • Fail to comply with probation order Brandon STUCKLESS, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Dangerous operation Mickey NEALE, 40, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 • Fail to comply with probation order • Fail to comply with release order (two counts) Thomas STARESKI, 44, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (22 counts) • Trafficking in property obtained by crime • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000

Update: TB26013520, TB26013636, TB26013331, TB26013233, TB26013087, TB26012596, TB26013449, TB26012768, TB26008439, TB26600553, TB25600502 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple vehicle thefts has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit began the investigation on March 5, 2026, in response to encountering a stolen vehicle. Two suspects in the case fled from officers on more than one occasion during the investigation. Through the investigation, two suspects connected to the vehicle thefts were identified. On April 13, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect. As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Jeffrey BARNWELL from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Dangerous operation (four counts) • Flight from peace officer (four counts) • Operation while prohibited (four counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fraud under $5,000 • Theft under $5,000 (three counts) • Failure to comply with probation order (four counts) • Failure to comply with release order • Disobey court order • Cause disturbance • Assault with a weapon • Mischief under $5,000 Some of the accused’s charges relate to outstanding warrants. On April 14, 2026, following a police standoff in the Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue area, officers arrested a second suspect. As a result, Bradley TOMECK a 36-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (five counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (three counts) • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Dangerous operation • Use of credit card • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (16 counts)

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is launching Project Support, a downtown core stabilization initiative. The project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement “Our approach starts with support. The goal is to meet people where they are, connect them with the right services, and reduce the risks they’re facing,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “This isn’t about penalizing poverty or addiction; it’s about improving safety in the downtown cores while focusing enforcement on the individuals who are taking advantage of vulnerable community members.” The initiative is operating in response to ongoing concerns from the business community and the public regarding open drug use, disorderly conduct, vandalism, aggressive behaviours, trespassing, and related impacts on safety, economic activity, and community confidence. This will be carried out through increased foot patrols. The project will begin on April 20, 2026, in downtown cores with patrols focused on: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas During patrols, the first step of contact will be a TBPS Social Navigator or Community Inclusion Team Coordinator offering referrals to appropriate services like housing, or addiction supports. Criminal enforcement is the last option and may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in share public spaces in downtown cores persist.

The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a week dedicated to honouring the essential work of 911 Operators and Dispatchers who serve as the first point of contact in emergencies. Throughout the week on social media, TBPS will be highlighting the critical role of its Communications Centre. This includes the proper use of 911 services, through a top 10 listing of interesting calls that were received in 2025. 911 Operators and Dispatchers are the first lifeline for people in crisis. When someone calls 911, communicators are the first voice they hear. They assess the situation, gather vital information, and dispatch police and fire services while providing calm, steady guidance during moments of fear, confusion, or danger. In the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre, every call is handled by a trained professional who listens carefully, asks the right questions, and coordinates emergency responses during fast‑moving, high‑risk situations. Their work is often unseen, but it is indispensable to public safety. “As Inspector overseeing our Communications Centre, I see firsthand that every call we receive represents someone’s worst moment and our communications professionals are the calm in that storm,” Operational Support Inspector Jason Rybak. “They are the first lifeline, guiding both the public and our officers with precision, professionalism, and compassion. Their voice brings clarity in chaos, and their work saves lives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and excellence they demonstrate every single day.” The Thunder Bay Police Service extends its sincere appreciation to all 911 Communications Centre staff for their continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the community. Current career opportunities in our Communications Centre can be found here: Communication Operator - Temporary (POOL) | Thunder Bay Police Service |

The Thunder Bay Police Service is warning residents of a potential seasonal scam as the weather starts to warm up. Non-reputable driveway paving companies have previously operated in Thunder Bay. These services are often provided without a signed contract, and the providers will ask you to pay upfront. This is not standard for driveway renewals. Once they have received payment, little or no work is done, or they may request more money, claiming it’s necessary to be able to carry out the work. If the work is ever completed, it is often poor quality and could pose a safety hazard or need to be redone. Be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door offers. Look for multiple quotes and ask businesses for their contact information. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. If there is doubt about whether a repair or product is necessary, seek a second opinion from a trusted person or a certified professional. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ )

TB26012593 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in a charge. Officers received a report from a local hospital on April 6, 2026, regarding an individual who had died after arriving with injuries consistent with an assault. The Major Crime Unit and Forensic Identification Unit began an investigation. The investigation determined the victim was initially transported to hospital on April 5, 2026, following an altercation at a local hotel. On April 9, 2026, officers with the Major Crime Unit, and Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery Unit located and arrested a suspect. As a result of the investigation, Jaykwon WAPOOSE, 21, has been charged with manslaughter. The accused has been remanded into custody with a future court date.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre has launched a new text‑message program designed to enhance how our 911 operators connect with the community. This initiative opens an additional, modern line of communication, allowing callers to receive timely, accurate information directly to their mobile devices while our 911 operators manage their emergency call. Through this system, Communications Centre staff can send both automated and dispatcher‑crafted messages that deliver clear, essential guidance. These may include: • Vehicle collision self‑reporting instructions with a direct link • Updates such as “Police have been dispatched, please watch for them.” • A list of available tow truck companies • Notifications advising callers that their request has been forwarded to the Thunder Bay Police Service Callback Unit Text messages from the program will be received from a local 807 number. Callers are only able to receive information over text. Residents should continue to call 911 to speak to an operator or 807-684-1200 for non-emergencies. By offering real‑time information and reducing the need for follow‑up calls, this program strengthens service delivery, eases call volume, and ensures residents receive the support they need. “Our Communications Centre is always looking for ways to evolve with the needs of the community,” said Thunder Bay Police Service Communication Centre Manager Megan Petzel. “Adding a text message option enhances the tools we already use and allows us to deliver information in more ways to meet people’s expectations and preferences.” The change is aimed at supplementing our existing Communication Centre services.

TB26012417 A Thunder Bay Police Service response to a call for service has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Oliver Road on the evening of April 4, 2026, in response to a report of an assault. Two injured individuals were located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified and located. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Scotlund CROMPTON from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon • Aggravated assault • Assault causing bodily harm • Fail to comply with release order • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody with a future court date.

The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniela NEKULIAK, 62. Today marks three-weeks since she was last seen. Investigators issued a Northwestern Ontario Region bulletin to all police services in Ontario on March 19, 2026, and continue to follow up on any leads from the community. The investigation remains ongoing. Daniela was last seen on Algoma Street North walking towards Boulevard Lake around 9:30 AM on the morning of 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. If a member of the public spots Daniela, 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.