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
 

Thunder Bay Police Service announces the results of Project Support

September 8, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Operational Support Unit Project has resulted in hundreds of social service referrals and dozens of arrests.  Project Support launched on April 20, 2026, as a focused public-safety and community-support initiative in Thunder Bay’s north and south downtown cores. The initiative combined high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, proactive engagement, lawful enforcement, business outreach, and social service referrals. As the project progressed, TBPS broadened the deployment in response to recurring calls for service at other high-activity commercial locations. Additional resources were assigned to Memorial Avenue and Dawson Road areas beginning on July 9, 2026. The expanded response utilized personnel and expertise from across the Thunder Bay Police Service. In addition to the officers assigned directly to Project Support from Community Service and the Emergency Task Unit, the Project included support from Primary Response, the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments. This coordinated model increased officer visibility, supported investigations and warrant enforcement, and allowed officers to respond quickly to emerging problems across the expanded Project area. During the course of Project Support TBPS recorded: · More than 9,100 engagements with businesses and the public · 343 service referrals offered · 89 service referrals were accepted · 78 arrests were made · 74 provincial offence notices were issued Project Support used a balanced approach: visible policing and proportionate enforcement were paired with voluntary referrals, wellness checks, medical assistance and direct engagement with community partners. As a pilot, Project Support has concluded. However, based on the outcomes of the pilot project, visible patrols will continue in Thunder Bay’s commercial areas. The final activity results demonstrate sustained proactive policing across the original downtown zones and the expanded Thunder Centre and Dawson Road deployments. The addition of resources from Primary Response, BEAR, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments allowed the Service to respond directly to business and community concerns.

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to child luring charges

September 3, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in July 2026 after officers received a report about a resident luring a minor. On July 28, 2026, officers seized an electronic device as part of the investigation. On September 2, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 26-year-old Syed Shayan MUNAWAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication • Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age • 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.

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 ).