Police arrest suspect on weapons charges

March 10, 2025

An individual faces several weapons and drug charges after being arrested following police responding to a weapons incident.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Amelia Street West on the morning of Friday, March 7, after receiving a report that an individual had been seen in possession of a possible firearm.

 

Responding officers located a male matching the description of the suspect. The individual attempted to flee but was arrested and taken into custody.

 

The suspect was found in possession of quantities of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine.

 

Darien Bennett METANSININE, 22, is charged with the following:

•             Assault with a Weapon

•             Careless Use of a Firearm

•             Pointing a Firearm

•             Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

•             Carrying Concealed Weapon

•             Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

•             Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

•             Using a Firearm to Commit an Indictable Offence

•             Failure to Comply with Release Order x3

•             Possession of Firearm Contrary to Prohibition Order

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl) x2

 

The accused appeared in court and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

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.