Police respond to 3 morning impaired driving collisions

August 27, 2025

TB25034369, TB25034370 & TB25034381

Thunder Bay Police Service officers responded to three separate collisions involving impaired drivers in a four-hour span.


Two of those collisions occurred at about 4 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27, with the third occurring at about 8 a.m.


In the first incident, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Valley Street after receiving reports of a motor vehicle collision. Responding officers found that a vehicle had collided with multiple parked vehicles before crashing into a utility pole, knocking power lines down onto the roadway.


The female driver of the vehicle was taken to hospital for assessment before being brought into custody at the police station.


A 23-year-old woman is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), and Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle.


At the same time, officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Frederica Street West for a motor vehicle collision. Responding officers found that a vehicle had collided with multiple vehicles parked in the area and struck a house. The female driver was transported to hospital for assessment where she refused to provide a blood sample.


A 21-year-old woman is charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Dangerous Operation of a Vehicle, and Refusal to Comply with a Demand.


Then, shortly after 8 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Oliver Road and Golf Links Road for a two-vehicle collision. Responding officers observed signs that one of the drivers was impaired. The driver was arrested and taken into custody. Further assessment by a Drug Recognition Expert officer determined the female's ability to operate a conveyance was impaired by multiple drugs.


A 27-year-old woman is charged with Impaired Operation of a Vehicle.


Fortunately, none of these collisions resulted in serious injuries to any of the involved parties or anyone else. It is extremely concerning to have these incidents occur within such a close period of time. Driving while impaired is a dangerous decision that puts all other road users at risk.


All above parties are subject to a 90-day administrative driver's licence suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Missing Person: Ivory PANACHEESE, 24

August 29, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Ivory PANACHEESE. PANACHEESE is described as an Indigenous female standing approximately 5’10” weighing roughly 140 lbs, with shoulder-length blonde hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of the letter R near her left eye.  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.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

August 27, 2026
TB26004555 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in February 2026, in response to a report of an individual possessing and attempting to access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) through the Bing search engine. In July a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of 10 electronic devices. On August 26, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Blair O’CONNOR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Access 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.