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 multi-unit investigation leads to several charges

July 7, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in multiple charges and arrests. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Red River Road area on April 17, 2026, in response to an injured individual. An injured man was located with life-threatening injuries, and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The involved suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving. The Forensic Identification Unit and Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation. Further investigation led to five suspects being identified. As part of the investigation, a home was searched in the Windsor Street area on April 19, 2026. During the search, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized. The Cyber Crime Unit became involved in the investigation. On May 6, 2026, Primary Response Unit officers located and arrested an involved suspect in the Windsor Street area. On May 10, 2026, another suspect was located and arrested in the Blucher Avenue area. On May 16, 2026, officers located and arrested an additional involved suspect in the Waterloo Street area. On June 7, 2026, an additional suspect contacted the Thunder Bay Police Service Communications Centre to turn themselves in. Officers were dispatched to the Foley Street area to locate and arrest the suspect. On June 17, 2026, officers with the Break, Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR), Major Crime Unit, and Criminal Investigation Branch searched a home in the Hodder Avenue area. During the search, the final accused was located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Sage ABRAHAM of Thunder Bay is facing an aggravated assault charge. A 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Fail to comply with sentence (YCJA) A 16-year-old from Thunder Bay, and a 16-year-old of Thunder Bay are both facing an aggravated assault charge. A 17-year-old from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Fail to comply with sentence (Two counts) (YCJA) The 16-year-old of Thunder Bay has been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating Canada Day assault

July 4, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is aware of social media posts and comments regarding a Canada Day assault that may have been racially motivated. The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an assault that took place on Canada Day. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault that was taking place in the Villa Street and Cumberland Street North area just after 12:45PM on July 1, 2026. One suspect was located, arrested, and charged with assault. A victim received treatment from EMS and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment of injuries that can be described as non-life threatening. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Every person has a right to feel safe in our community, and the Thunder Bay Police Service remains committed to investigating any allegations or reports that a person has been targeted based on hate or bias.

Fraud Friday: Thefts and Robbery Prevention

July 3, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about theft and robbery tactics seen in the city, along with some prevention tips. Distraction theft is a type of theft where the victim’s attention is diverted in order to steal valuables like a wallet or phone. Criminals will operate as individuals or in pairs, with one person distracting the victim while the other takes the opportunity to steal your belongings. How does it happen? The thief (or a group) creates a distraction. Here are some common examples: • Asking for directions • Spilling something on the victim • Dropping money • Starting an argument • Pretending to need help • Damaging a vehicle (flatten tire, or spill on windshield) • Knocking on a door to ask for help While the victim is focused on the distraction, an accomplice or the same person takes the opportunity to steal their belongings. Tips to protect yourself • Stay aware of your surroundings • Keep your belongings close and zipped up • Be cautious when approached by strangers with odd or overly engaging behavior • Avoid placing valuables on tables or hanging bags on chairs in public places • If someone is close enough to put a necklace on you, they are too close • Report any suspicious or criminal incidents immediately to police A robbery or purse snatch can occur anywhere at any time. In order to reduce your risk, there are many precautions you can take to avoid this type of crime. Robberies can occur at any location where you are waiting or standing for an extended period of time, such as: • Transit stops • ATM machines • In parking lots and garages • Isolated areas How to prevent being targeted: • Be aware of your surroundings; whenever possible avoid distractions that require your full attention like listening to loud music, wearing headphones on both ears, texting and taking phone calls • Keep to well-lit areas and avoid unknown shortcuts through isolated areas including parks and back lanes especially when traveling alone • When getting cash from a bank machine, be alert • Consider using indoor machines or locations that have a clear view and are not hidden. • Keep electronics or other valuables concealed and hidden • Avoid letting strangers into your personal space • At the very least, keep them at arm's length If You Are a Victim If you are the victim of a robbery, do NOT argue, fight or use any weapon. Robbers are unpredictable and resistance in any form may escalate the level of violence. Your safety is more important than any possession. ALWAYS: • Give up the item being taken/demanded • Make noise, scream/yell to create witnesses and deter robbers • Make a mental note of suspect clothing and description - height, weight, age, hair, tattoos, scars, direction of travel, time of robbery, and if any weapons or vehicles were used • Call 9-1-1 immediately and find a place of safety until police arrive • If you are injured seek medical attention • Notify Financial Institutions and Government Agencies of your stolen documents such as: o Social Insurance Card, Birth Certificate, Driver’s Licence, Health Card, Passport, Credit Cards, Debit Cards Theft From Vehicle The Thunder Bay Police Service has received several theft from vehicle reports this year. These incidents are typically crimes of opportunity — offenders look for unlocked vehicles or valuables left in plain sight. How it happens: • Offenders check door handles to find unlocked vehicles • Items are taken quickly from front seats, cup holders, or centre consoles • Visible bags, wallets, electronics, or loose change attract attention • Garage door openers or spare keys left inside vehicles are used to access homes Tips to reduce your risk: • Always lock your vehicle, even if you’re stepping away for a moment • Remove all valuables — wallets, purses, electronics, cash, tools • Do not leave garage door openers or spare keys inside your vehicle • Park in well‑lit, visible areas whenever possible • If you must leave items in your vehicle, store them in the trunk before arriving at your destination • Report suspicious behaviour, such as individuals checking door handles, to police Stolen Bicycles Bicycle thefts increase significantly during the warmer months. Most thefts occur when bikes are left unlocked, secured with weak locks, or stored in easily accessible areas such as open garages or building entrances. Common methods used by thieves: • Cutting cable locks or thin chains • Taking unlocked bikes from yards, porches, or garages • Targeting bike racks where bicycles are improperly secured • Removing quick‑release wheels or seats to resell individually How to protect your bike: • Use a high‑quality U‑lock or hardened steel chain — cable locks are easily cut • Lock the frame and at least one wheel to a secure, immovable object • Store bicycles indoors or in locked areas whenever possible • Record your bike’s make, model, colour, and serial number • Take photos of your bike for identification • Report stolen bicycles immediately — recovered bikes are often returned to owners when serial numbers are on file