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.

Fraud Friday: Driveway Paving Scam

June 5, 2026
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 .

Missing Person: Jayla DEVENTE, 15

June 5, 2026
TB26021102 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 15-year-old Jayla DEVENTE. Jayla was last seen on June 3, 2026, around 3:30 PM. DEVENTE is described as a white female, standing 5’5”, weighing approximately 160 lbs, with long dark brown and burgundy hair, and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black Adidas sweater and grey sweatpants. 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.

Drug trafficking investigation results in seizure of illicit drugs and two firearms

June 3, 2026
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.