Police investigating weapons incident on Thunder Bay’s south end
February 3, 2026
TB26004395
A continued police presence is expected in the Vale Crescent and James Street area.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a weapons incident that occurred on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m.
When officers responded to the area, an injured victim was located and transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation.
No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.
TB26004164 A Thunder Bay resident is facing charges following an 11 hour police standoff on Thunder Bay’s north end. Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to a home on Arundel Street around 2:45 a.m. on February 1, 2026. Officers determined that an individual known to the family had locked themselves in the home and was preventing the residents from entering. The suspect threatened police when they attempted to enter the home. The Emergency Task Unit became involved in the situation. Negotiators attempted to speak with the suspect, but he refused to communicate with them. After determining there were no other occupants in the home, officers entered the residence and were able to locate and arrest the suspect without incident. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old, Christopher POULIN is facing the following charges: · Unlawfully in Dwelling House · Uttering threats – Cause death or bodily harm · Failure to comply with release order · Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
TB26002366 A Thunder Bay resident is facing an Attempted Murder charge following a weapons incident on the city’s north end. Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit attended a business on Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026, in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim is in stable condition. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. On January 25, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located and arrested a suspect. As a result, 40-year-old George PALOSAARI is facing the following charges: • Attempt to Commit Murder using a Restricted Firearm or Prohibited Firearm • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm • Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammo • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was Prohibited or Restricted Weapon • Firearm – Use while Committing Offence • Careless use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition The accused remains in custody with a future court date. Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .
A unique opportunity for admirers of Norval Morrisseau’s artwork will be part of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s first Gala, supported by a donation of limited edition prints from the Estate of world-renowned artist Norval Morrisseau. Two identical pairs of framed prints are now available through an online auction site: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/thunder-bay-police-services-charity-auction The rest of these remarkable works will be auctioned at the Gala, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club. The limited-edition serigraphs, created under the direct supervision of Mr. Morrisseau, showcase his dedication to quality and authenticity. Each print was produced using plates that were destroyed after printing, ensuring their exclusivity. Four of the prints available at the Gala are personally titled and signed by the artist, each accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity, further enhancing their value as rare collectibles. Prints available for auction at the Gala include: • Family (2004): A limited-edition serigraph exploring themes of interconnectedness. • Mother and Child (2004): A celebrated serigraph depicting nurturing spiritual themes. • Gabe (2004): A serigraph featuring Morrisseau’s business manager and adopted son, Gabe Vadas, a significant figure in his later life. • Self-Portrait (2004): A reflective work capturing the artist’s own image, typical of his later years. Additionally, two identical pairs of prints will be available via the Online Auction, entitled “Bird Family” and “Bear Cub Learning from Bird Family.” “We are incredibly thankful and excited that the Estate of Norval Morrisseau has chosen to support the Thunder Bay Police Services Charity Gala in this extraordinary way,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “We are confident that these remarkable works will help raise much-needed funds for Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club.” The Thunder Bay Police Services Charity Gala promises to be an inspiring evening celebrating the men and women of the Service and the community. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to own a piece of Canadian art history while supporting vital local charities. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/thunder-bay-police-services-gala-2026-tickets-1864559741379?aff=oddtdtcreator Follow Thunder Bay Police Service social media channels to stay up to date on the auctions. About Norval Morrisseau: Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007) was a ground-breaking Anishinaabe artist, celebrated for pioneering the Woodland style and profoundly influencing Indigenous art in Canada and internationally. The Estate is deeply thankful for the Thunder Bay Police Services’ role in uncovering, arresting, and securing convictions against those involved in forgery rings that have negatively impacted Morrisseau’s legacy.
