Primary Response Unit and Break, Enter, and Robbery Unit investigation into several robberies leads to charges

September 16, 2026

TB26030425, TB26030409, TB26030194, TB26030104, TB26029945, TB26029701, TB26029432


A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit and Break Enter and Robbery Unit investigation into several robberies has resulted in numerous charges.


On July 26, 2026, Primary Response Unit officers were dispatched to a business on May Street North in response to a report of a robbery.


The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.


Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued.


On July 28, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business in the Fort William Road area in response to a report of a robbery.


The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.


Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued.


On July 30, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business in the Arthur Street West area in response to a report of a robbery.


The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.


Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued.


On July 31, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Arthur Street West in response to a report of a robbery.


The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.


Officers reviewed video footage from the incident and the investigation continued.


On August 1, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Support Unit followed up on a call for service from July 30, 2026, regarding a robbery at a business on Fort William Road.


Officers obtained video footage from the incident and identified that it was the same suspect from the aforementioned robbery investigations started on July 26, July 28, and July 30, 2026.


On August 2, 2026, through continued investigation officers with the Primary Response Unit identified the suspect.


Later that same day officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Arthur Street West in response to a weapons call.


The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.


A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested.


The Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the investigation on August 4, 2026.


The BEAR Unit followed up on a call for service from August 1, 2026, regarding a robbery that had occurred at a business in the May Street North area.


Later that day officers with the BEAR Unit connected the suspect to additional investigations leading to a re-arrest where more charges were laid.


As a result of the investigations, 37-year-old Jacob SAMSON of Webequie First Nation is facing the following charges:

·        Assault with a weapon (four counts)

·        Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (six counts)

·        Uttering Threats – cause death or bodily harm

·        Fail to comply with probation order (eight counts)

·        Failure to comply with release order (seven counts)

·        Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose (three counts)

·        Robbery with weapon


The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. 

FRAUD ALERT: Police receiving local reports of grandparent scam activity

October 6, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public that there have been several reported incidents of local residents being targeted by the grandparent scam within the last few days. The grandparent scam involves phone calls to potential victims claiming that a family member was involved in an accident or had been arrested, with money being urgently needed to assist with their situation. The fraudster may claim to be a lawyer, police officer, or have some other role with the court system. The scammers may also use spoofing to have call display appear to show a legitimate phone number. These calls typically target elderly residents or other vulnerable individuals. Recent reports have indicated the scammers have been demanding $5,000 and that the potential victim keep the matter a secret. The scam may involve having someone attend the victim’s residence to collect the amount in cash. Police advise community members contacted by a suspected scammer to remember that the best way to avoid being victimized is to hang up the phone, then attempt to contact the family member who was allegedly involved. This particular scheme is most often successful when the fraudster is able to create an emotional response from the victim and make them believe the money is urgently needed. This is a common tactic to try to prevent victims from practicing due diligence and should be viewed as an indication that a scam is taking place. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit our Fraud Prevention page or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime

Primary Response Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

October 6, 2026
TB26037725 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers were dispatched to a business in the Fort William Road area on September 18, 2026, in response to a report of an assault. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers' arrival. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested in the Isabella Street area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of an edged weapon. As a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old is facing the following charges: · Assault (two counts) · Assault with a weapon · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose · Carrying concealed weapon · Failure to comply with release order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.  The identity of the accused cannot be released in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Man charged with aggravated assault, assaulting police officer

October 6, 2026
TB26038968