Police Standoff leads to charges

February 2, 2026

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.

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.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to charges

June 1, 2026
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.

Update: Missing Person — Richard GRAHAM

May 28, 2026
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.