News
MEDIA RELEASES
For inquiries, please contact news@thunderbaypolice.ca
TB26015221 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. On April 23, 2026, officers received a report from another police agency regarding potential child sexual abuse and exploitation in Thunder Bay. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On April 29, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s south side and seized multiple electronic devices. On June 10, 2026, a suspect surrendered themself at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station at 1200 Balmoral Street. As a result of the investigation, 50-year-old Michael SCORGIE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 16-years of age by means of telecommunications (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 16-years of age (two counts) • Arrangement to commit a sexual offence against a person under 18-years of age • Make prints, publishes or possesses for the purpose of publication of any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . 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 – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. 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. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. 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.
TB26021214 Primary Response Unit investigation leads to drug trafficking charges A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On June 5, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located a driver asleep behind their steering wheel with the vehicle running in the Picton Avenue and Blucher Crescent area. Further investigation led to a search of the vehicle. During the search officers located and seized over 115 grams of suspected fentanyl, over 587 grams of suspected crack cocaine, cash, and items associated with drug trafficking. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $150,000. As a result of the investigation, 49-year-old Jermaine WILSON, of Brampton, Ontario 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 property obtained by crime over $5,000 The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB26021683 A Thunder Bay Police Service presence is expected in the Ravenwood Avenue and Ray Boulevard area. There is no threat to public safety. No other information is available at this time.
TB26017520 A Thunder Bay Police Service Major Crime Unit Investigation has resulted in a charge. During the investigation, a deceased individual, later identified as 36-year-old Kelsey ANDERSON was located. On June 6, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect connected to the death. As a result of the investigation, 33-year-old Dion MCKAY of Thunder Bay has been charged with manslaughter. The accused remains in custody following their first court appearance.
With the first day of Summer just around the corner, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is warning residents about driveway paving scams. Although TBPS has not received any reports of driveway paving scams so far this year, other police services in Ontario have. Residents are urged to be cautious of individuals posing as legitimate contractors offering unsolicited paving services. These individuals often claim to have “leftover asphalt” from another job and offer discounted, same day work. They may also push for cash only payments or use high pressure tactics to secure quick agreements. These offers frequently result in poor quality work, inflated prices, or unfinished jobs, with the individuals leaving the area shortly afterward. Residents are encouraged to: • Request written estimates and contracts before agreeing to any work • Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 or online at www.p3tips.com .
TB26020832 and TB26020814 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms. As part of the investigation, the Emergency Task Unit and Intelligence Unit searched two homes on Finlayson Street. During the searches suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and two guns were seized. The total street value of the drugs is approximately $19,755. As a result of the investigation, 47-year-old David CAKE of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (six counts) 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 over $5,000 Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm (two counts) Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition (two counts) Unauthorized possession of a firearm (two counts) Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammo Douglas SHAFRANSKI, a 47-year-old from Thunder Bay, and Saceriya MOHAMED, a 31-year-old of Toronto, are also 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 CAKE was remanded into custody following his first court appearance. SHAFRANSKI and MOHAMED were both released from custody with a future court date.
TB26020163 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple assaults has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault in the Red River Road area, on May 29, 2026, just after 1:00 PM with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit which was on patrol as part of Project Support. On scene officers located an individual with injuries consistent with a stabbing. The individual attended a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. Officers were able to identify, locate, and arrest a suspect nearby. Further investigation led to additional victims being identified. No additional injuries were reported. As a result of this investigation, 54-year-old Stephane ST-CYR of Quebec is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon (two counts) • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
TB24032007 Richard GRAHAM is no longer the subject of a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) missing person investigation. This is now a private family matter. The family has granted permission for TBPS to disclose that Richard was located deceased. Please remove his name and images from websites and social media pages. The family wants to extend their appreciation to everyone who was involved in the search efforts. No further information will be released at this time.
Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones facing the uncertainty and heartbreak of a missing persons investigation. I also recognize and sincerely appreciate the efforts of Indigenous searchers, community members, volunteers, Elders, and partner organizations who dedicated significant time and care to supporting recent searches. Recent comments made by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Fiddler do not accurately reflect the Thunder Bay Police Service’s efforts or commitment. Our priority remains, and always will be, to locate missing persons and provide answers to families. Our members work diligently—both on the front lines and behind the scenes—and we are grateful for the acknowledgments received from families directly involved. Investigators have been in regular communication with families throughout recent investigations, including multiple updates on a daily basis where appropriate. Families may choose whether or not to include NAN in those discussions. TBPS members hold and value positive relationships with Indigenous leaders and community members, including with employees and program coordinators working for NAN. It is unfortunate the recent comments do not reflect this. While we respect the role of NAN leadership in advocating for its members, inaccurate or incomplete information can undermine trust and impact the willingness of individuals to come forward with information. Some investigations remain ongoing, and information from the community continues to be critical to bring resolution to families. I urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. I also encourage NAN members in Thunder Bay to continue to contact police when they need assistance, wish to report someone missing, or have information to share. Similarly, MPP Sol Mamakwa’s recent statement at Queen’s Park is misled. The true crisis has long been identified: a serious shortage of social supports, housing, addictions and mental health services, and prevention initiatives that help address the root causes that place vulnerable people at risk. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort with community partners working collaboratively. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police Thunder Bay Police Service
TB26017520
Latest Messages From the Chief
On average, our 911 Communications Operators handle over 4,200 calls per week. Every day, moments of crisis, uncertainty, and urgency often begin with a call for help. Behind each one is a highly trained 911 Communications Operator—calm, focused, and ready to support those in need. Although their work often happens behind the scenes, its impact is felt every day across our community. Last week, during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (April 12 – 18), and throughout the year, we recognize the dedication of these professionals whose work is foundational to public safety. At the same time, we continue to implement initiatives to proactively address complex public safety challenges, which can also reduce emergency calls and demands on our front-line officers. Last month, there were: · 4128 Calls for Service · 168 calls related to the Mental Health Act · 315 arrests · 51 assaults on police The Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative, led by our Community Outreach Unit, is focused on improving safety in both downtown business areas. It proactively addresses concerns such as open drug use, disorderly behaviour, vandalism, and aggressive conduct, and how these issues affect people’s sense of safety and the local economy. This initiative combines a visible police presence with care and compassion. Foot patrols include a social navigator and community inclusion supports to connect people with services for addiction, mental health, or housing needs whenever possible. When individuals decline support or continue behaviour that is not permitted, officers take consistent, lawful, and fair enforcement action. This work relies on strong partnerships, and I thank our community and social service partners for their ongoing commitment to long‑term solutions. We are also strengthening our Service by welcoming new officers to our front‑line teams. Last month, seven new constables were sworn in, and additional recruits will join us after completing police academy. These recruits help us meet day‑to‑day demands while building for the future of policing in our community. I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone.
Latest The Shift
Project Support: Downtown Core Stabilization Q. What is it? A. The pilot project began on April 20 and will continue for 60 days. It involves teams conducting visible foot patrols in North and South downtown cores to deter disorder, respond quickly to concerns, and increase public confidence. Each patrol team is paired with a Social Navigator and/or Community Integration Team (CIT) Coordinator, ensuring service engagement is the first point of contact. Individuals are offered referrals to addiction treatment, mental health services, housing supports, and other appropriate resources. Q. What sort of safety concerns led to this project? A. We’re responding to concerns we’ve heard consistently about unsafe behaviours, trespassing, vandalism, public intoxication. This is a proactive initiative aimed at improving safety in shared public spaces in downtown cores. Our goal is to help connect people with the assistance that best suits their needs. Q. How does this address the needs of people? A. Our focus and first contact is outreach. Our main goal is to connect people with the most appropriate social services to suit their needs. Criminal enforcement may be pursued if disruptive or illegal behaviours in shared public spaces in downtown cores persists. Q. Will this reduce police availability for other calls for service? A. The initiative is being operated by our Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit and will not directly impact Primary Response Unit staffing or response time.
