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
 

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service emphasises school traffic safety alongside community partners as the 2026/2027 school year continues

September 24, 2026
With the 2026/2027 school year underway, the Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents about traffic safety in school zones and all Thunder Bay roads. Drivers should be aware of increased youth pedestrian traffic in and around school zones. Many students will utilize city crosswalks on their journey to school. Drivers should ensure that they remain observant and are prepared to stop for crossing guards at crosswalks. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers should wait for the crossing guard to return to the sidewalk prior to continuing their drive. Following the Act supports safer roads while drivers can avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. School buses are also back on local roadways. Motorists are asked to make sure they are stopping for school buses that have a sign out and lights flashing. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, every driver when approaching from the front or rear of a stopped school bus that has its stop arm actuated, shall stop and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the stop arm is no longer extended. Following the Act protects the community while ensuring that drivers avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.