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.

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Special Constables were sworn in last week at TBPS. Pictured: Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes, Erin Murphy, Tristan Johnson, Chief Darcy Fleury, Cole Lambert, Krystal Wiwcharyk, and Deputy Chief Jeremy Pearson.  The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) and the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) have partnered to launch a new, community-focused initiative: the Housing Safety Unit (HSU). Under this initiative, dedicated Special Constables will be deployed to provide a proactive, visible, and tailored safety presence in TBDSSAB-owned housing communities. Special Constables are appointed under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act (CSPA). They are law enforcement officers with limited police powers, authorized to enforce laws within a specific jurisdiction. The HSU is being launched as a pilot program with possibility of continuation based on data. “The HSU is a prime example of community and police collaborating to create safer spaces through proactive, community-based presence,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s about building trust, maintaining order, and ultimately supporting residents in feeling safe in their homes.” Four TBPS Special Constables will be deployed primarily to three high-volume buildings, while also establishing relationships at TBDSSAB’s other direct-owned properties. Their duties include routine patrols, incident response, tenant engagement, and support referrals. “These constables are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules. They are equipped to enforce laws under the Criminal Code, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence and Control Act, Mental Health Act (in limited roles), and relevant municipal bylaws and housing rules,” explained Jason Rybak, TBPS Inspector, Operational Support. TBDSSAB introduced Tenant Support Workers (TSWs) in 2017 to support the unique challenges faced by tenants in community housing within the permitted scope of a landlord-tenant relationship per the Housing Services Act and Residential Tenancies Act. Tenant Support Workers support tenants by building relationships, creating opportunities for tenant community building, and making referrals to community services. In recent years, TSWs have built a strong rapport with the TBPS Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) unit, with officers offering tenants education and advice around personal and community safety as-needed. As demand increases and police resources are challenged, this innovative partnership offers a new way to support proactive engagement with housing communities. “Our housing communities deserve safe, supportive environments,” said Ken Ranta, CEO of TBDSSAB. “This partnership allows us to bring a new level of dedicated, community-specific safety to those who need it most.” Krystal Wiwcharyk is one of the new Special Constables. “I know how important it is for people to feel safe, heard, and connected,” she said. “It’s about more than enforcing the law; it’s about understanding the challenges people face and helping them find solutions in a compassionate, respectful way.” The HSU Special Constable role can involve helping someone access support services, mediating neighbour disputes, or simply being a familiar, approachable presence. By offering practical help and working alongside community partners, Special Constables can help prevent issues before they escalate. The HSU is expected to: • Enhance resident safety • Reduce criminal and social disorder • Build trust through community-based engagement • Provide enforcement tailored to the unique needs of housing communities A similar initiative implemented in Toronto has led to reduced emergency calls, improved perceptions of safety, and stronger tenant relationships with enforcement personnel. The TBDSSAB and TBPS HSU partnership is expected to deliver similar benefits in Thunder Bay—at a lower cost than traditional police deployment, and with more authority and training than private security. Data will inform future expansion and strategic adjustments.