Robbery suspects arrested

January 3, 2025

Three people have been arrested as a result of investigations into multiple recent convenience store robberies.



Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Branch were dispatched to a business in the 1300 block of Arthur Street East on the morning of December 29, 2024, after receiving reports of a robbery.

 

Two male suspects had entered the store using hoods and masks to conceal their faces. One stole merchandise while the second jumped over the counter and threatened the clerk with a weapon, stealing money from the cash register.

 

An elderly female bystander was assaulted by one of the suspects as they fled. The woman sustained serious injuries during this altercation.

 

Nearly 48 hours later, during the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 31, officers with the Primary Response Branch were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of Arthur Street West for a robbery in progress.

 

Two suspects entered the store with their faces concealed, brandishing knives and threatened staff. They stole cash and merchandise before fleeing the location.

 

Members of the Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigations.

 

A suspect believed to have been involved in both incidents was identified and arrested by the BEAR Unit on Thursday, January 2.

 

Aaron KING, 20, is charged with Armed Robbery, Robbery with Violence, Disguise with Intent x2, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Failure to Comply with a Release Order x2.

 

One of the accused individuals in the Dec. 29 incident was identified and arrested by the BEAR Unit on Tuesday, December 31.

 

Cayle DORVAL, 35, is charged with Robbery, Disguise with Intent, Aggravated Assault and Failure to Comply with Probation.

 

The second individual in the Dec. 31 incident was identified and arrested on Thursday, January 2.

 

Sheldon WABOOSE, 26, is charged with Armed Robbery, Disguise with Intent, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Uttering Threats, and Failure to Comply with a Probation Order x2.

 

The accused have appeared in court and have all been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

November 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.