Project Eclipse leads to seizure of over $39,000 in stolen items and 256 charges

April 20, 2026

A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation called Project Eclipse has led to the seizure of over $39,000 in stolen items and 256 charges. The Thunder Bay Police Service Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit led the investigation.
 
The successful completion of this lengthy investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation.
 
The investigation began in September 2025, running through February 2026. The project investigated thefts and robberies from numerous businesses in Thunder Bay.
 
As a result of the investigation, the following charges have been laid:
 
Edward HOGAN, 45, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (six counts) 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime 
• Fraud under $5,000
 
Aren POULIN, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Christine PAULSON, 27, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Cody ALEXSON, 32, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Bradley Aho, 43, from Thunder Bay, is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Shaun TAYLOR, 42, from St Catharines is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts)
 
Christian NEEKAN, 32, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 (two counts)
 
Brandon THIBAULT, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts)
 
Mervyn MEEKIS, 30, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting.
 
Cory TOAL, 48, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (three counts) 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime
 
Jeffrey LEWIS, 47, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime 
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (two counts)
 
Jordan FISHER, 34, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Breach of recognizance 
• Failure to comply with release order 
• Failure to comply with undertaking 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting
 
Leela JOURDAIN, 40, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (three counts)
 
Sonny PATAYASH, 32, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (three counts)
 
Maggie WABASSE, 33, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting.
 
Richard PARKER, 31, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (nine counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (nine counts)
 
Adam BABOOLAL, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (five counts) 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime 
• Fraud under $5,000
 
Carolyn COASTER, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts)
 
Drew MITCHELL, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting 
• Assault with a weapon 
• Fail to comply with a probation order
 
Harlan NANOKEESIC, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Frances WABASSE, 33, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting.
 
Leo MANNING, 30, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (four counts)
 
Ralph ACKABEE, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting 
• Obstruct peace officer
 
Geraldine INEESE, 39, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Gary MATHEWS, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting 
• Obstruct peace officer 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Lester BOUCHARD, 49, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two charges) 
• Assault
 
Kelsie COLLINS, 38, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting.
 
Justin ESQUEGA, 32, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) 
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 
• Assault a peace officer 
• Resist a peace officer 
• Fail to comply with probation order (two counts)
 
Robert CAUL, 42, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Samantha FOX, 34, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting.
 
Bonnie THOMAS, 34, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) 
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 
• Fail to comply with probation order (three counts)
 
Marly KAKEKAYASH, 35, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 - shoplifting.
 
Colton CORMIER, 31, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Assault 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting 
• Obstruct peace officer 
• Fail to comply with probation order(nine counts)
 
Jason ANDERSON, 37, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Jose MENDOZA CHICAS, 46, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts)
 
Ryland BRISKA, 35, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 (four counts)
 
Fawn TOSET, 43, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Rachel ANDERSON, 50, of Thunder Bay and Samantha MUNROE, 33, of Thunder Bay have been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Jordin FLYNN, 40, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000 – shoplifting.
 
Peter-James ARNOLD, 40, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (six counts) 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime (four counts) 
• Fraud under $5,000 (three counts)
 
Kendra WAINWRIGHT, 33, from Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Jason MORGAN, 50, of Thunder Bay has been charged with theft under $5,000.
 
Jonah THOMAS, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting (two counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (four counts) 
• Fail to comply with undertaking
 
Corey ESSLEMONT, 39, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (three counts) 
• Fail to comply with undertaking (three counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (three counts) 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime (two counts) 
• Fraud under $5,000
 
Jeffrey PERREAULT, 53, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 
• Uttering threats – cause death or bodily harm 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Travis LOZER, 32, from Thunder Bay has been charged with Fraud under $5000.
 
Keenan MATTINAS, 27, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Aggravated assault 
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose 
• Carrying concealed weapon 
• Disobeying order of court 
• Fail to comply with release order
 
Dalton DEAN, 24, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
John CLEMENZA, 59, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
 
Dakota SAGUTCH, 32, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence (four counts) 
• Disguise with intent (three counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (four counts)
 
Megan TOWEDO, 36, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Break, enter a place – commit indictable offence (four counts) 
• Disguise with intent (four counts)
 
Simon ANGECONEB, 30, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Robbery with violence 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Anthony FRIZZELL, 65, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Robbery with violence 
• Disguise with intent (two counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) 
• Robbery
 
Steven GERMAIN, 34, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 (two counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) 
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
 
Christopher HILL, 37, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (two counts) 
• Fail to comply with probation order (four counts)
 
Quinn CHEECHOO, 31, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting 
• Fail to comply with probation order
 
Brandon STUCKLESS, 33, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 
• Dangerous operation
 
Mickey NEALE, 40, of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 
• Fail to comply with probation order 
• Fail to comply with release order (two counts)
 
Thomas STARESKI, 44, from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: 
• Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (22 counts) 
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime 
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000
 

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to multiple voyeurism charges

June 17, 2026
TB26011668 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began on March 30, 2026, in response to a report of voyeurism. On April 8, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s north end and seized several electronic devices. A suspect in the case turned themselves in at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station on June 16, 2026. As a result of the investigation, 46-year-old Brock BODNAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Voyeurism (six counts) 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 .

Thunder Bay Police Service invites community to National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event and artwork unveiling

June 16, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) invites the community to a special event on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Everyone is welcome to join us for a free community breakfast and the unveiling of artwork depicting the Seven Grandfather Teachings, created by local artist Jessica Mamakeesick. June 21, 2026 8:00 am – 9:30 am Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters 1200 Balmoral Street Parking is available in Outlaws Burgers and Fries parking lot located across from the police station. The Seven Grandfather Teachings are for anyone to honour and live by: Love - accept all unconditionally. Truth - always speak truthful and without judgement. Humility - treat everyone equally with empathy and compassion. Honesty - to have the courage to say and do the right thing – to be honest with oneself. Respect - develop relationships that are mutual and reciprocal. Courage - stand tall through adversity with convictions and integrity. Wisdom - a combination of experience, knowledge, and teachings to make sound judgement with ability to separate inner qualities and relationships. “Displaying the Seven Grandfather Teachings promotes understanding, respect and appreciation for Indigenous traditions, and fosters inclusivity and open dialogue,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It will also serve as a reminder of the similarities between the Teachings, and the values demonstrated every day by TBPS Members.” “I am grateful to the members of our Elders’ Council and Indigenous Leadership Collaborative who shared their guidance and support for this project,” added Fleury. “Their guidance has been instrumental, and I want them to know that we are listening carefully and taking action in ways that reflect what they have shared with us.” Financial support for this initiative was provided by the City of Thunder Bay’s Clean, Green and Beautiful Emerging Project Grant.

Thunder Bay Police Service brings professional development training closer to home

June 12, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) hosted the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) at the TBPS Station from June 8 to 12, 2026, bringing the training program closer to home. SLI is an FBI-LEEDA program — they’re the gold standard for law enforcement leadership training in North America. FBI-LEEDA — the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association — is a private, non-profit organization that grew out of the FBI’s executive training programs. The program operates independently and is not part of the FBI. The course runs for five days and is open to front-line supervisors and any police leaders, sworn or civilian. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, and the University of North Dakota Police Service participated in the course alongside TBPS. There was a total of 24 participants, 16 of which were members of TBPS. The instructor is Chief David Boggs, a retired Chief of Police out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, FBI National Academy grad, and an FBI Executive Teaching Fellow. The course covers leadership principles, building credibility, discipline and supervisor liability, and participants do a personal DISC leadership style assessment. The DISC leadership assessment is a behavioral profiling tool that categorizes individuals into four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. “Supervisors who complete the SLI return with practical, immediately applicable leadership skills — better equipped to manage their teams, handle discipline consistently and defensibly, and build credibility with the people they lead,” explained TBPS Inspector of Operational Support Jason Rybak. “It strengthens the overall quality of supervision across the organization and contributes to a more professional, accountable police service.” Today it is recognized as the leading provider of law enforcement leadership education in North America, having trained tens of thousands of officers and leaders across hundreds of courses annually. “Strong supervision produces better policing,” added Rybak. “When front-line supervisors lead with credibility, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions, it translates directly into how officers interact with the public. Communities benefit from a police service where leadership at every level is intentional, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.” Their core program is the Leadership Trilogy — three progressive courses targeting every level of police leadership: • The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) • Command Leadership Institute (CLI) • Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Graduates who have completed all three programs also earn transferable college credit upon completion.