Robbery suspect arrested

June 18, 2025

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Police have arrested a suspect accused of robbing the same business twice within the span of a few days.


Thunder Bay Police Service officers had responded to a Simpson Street business on the afternoon of May 15, 2025, after receiving a report of a robbery that had just occurred.


A male suspect with his face covered entered the location, brandished a knife towards an employee, and demanded money. The suspect fled prior to police arrival.


Then, on May 17, police were called to the same location for another robbery. A male suspect, who appeared to have many similarities to the individual involved in the previous incident, entered the location and demanded money from an employee. Again, the suspect fled prior to police arrival.


The BEAR Unit became involved in the investigation.


The investigation led to a suspect being identified. The suspect was located and arrested on Tuesday, June 17.


John Martin RECOLLET, 43, is charged with Robbery x2 and Disguise with Intent.


The accused appeared in court on Wednesday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

July 28, 2025
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July 25, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise awareness of fraud schemes and scams that target local residents. Distraction fraud is a tactic used by scammers where they’ll identify targets about to use a debit or credit card, such as in a store making a purchase or at an ATM. It’s common for the scheme to have multiple individuals involved and to target elderly victims. With this fraud, perpetrators will observe their targets entering the PIN of their debit or credit cards and may discretely use video recordings to detect the number. Then, the perpetrators will distract the victim while the card is stolen. The card, with the PIN, is then quickly used to withdraw cash or make high-value purchases. Anyone who has had a debit or credit card lost or stolen should contact their financial institution immediately to prevent someone else from being able to access funds. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention 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
July 25, 2025
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