School threat interrupted

October 15, 2025

TB25040005

A local teen has been arrested following an investigation into an online threat involving a potential school attack.


On October 6, 2025, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Hate Crime Investigator began an investigation into possible online communication that may involve a threat to the public in Thunder Bay as well as another country. TBPS was assisted by the FBI, Interpol and the RCMP. 


The investigation determined that a youth in Thunder Bay was communicating online with another person - believed to be in another country - to conspire and counsel each other regarding a potential attack. It is believed attempts would have been carried out in the near future.

 

Members with the TBPS Cyber Crime Unit, the Operational Support Branch including School Resource Officers, and the Criminal Investigations Branch executed search warrants at two local addresses on October 14. 


A 13-year-old youth has been charged with Counseling to Commit an Offence that is Not Committed and Conspiracy to Commit Murder.


The Youth appeared in court Oct14, 2025 and was remanded into Custody. 


Background:


Youth can be manipulated online by predators, extremists, or criminals who exploit vulnerabilities like isolation or curiosity, leading to offenses from minor crimes to violence (e.g., school shootings, hate crimes).


In Ontario, police cybercrime units monitor this under the Criminal Code and Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). Grooming often involves gaining trust, normalizing crime, and escalating involvement—usually via private chats or online groups.


Prevention & Reporting

• Use tools (e.g., Net Nanny) to monitor activity.

• Talk to youth about online risks.

• Report suspicious behavior to police early - timely action can prevent harm.

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July 2026

July 22, 2026
In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police

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July 22, 2026
Our 2025 Annual Report reflects the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of the Thunder Bay Police Service, while marking important progress in putting our new Strategic Plan into action. The report recognizes the people behind the service: frontline officers, Communications Operators, civilian professionals, and sworn members who support our community with integrity, care, and dedication. I am proud of what our members have accomplished, and their continued dedication to serving our community. The report also includes 2025 data that demonstrate that ours remains a busy service, responding to a high volume and wide range of increasingly complex calls. Some examples: 50,813 total calls for service 10,243 priority 1 calls 2,341 Mental Health Act calls 2,508 domestic calls 866 missing persons calls 797 weapons calls 445 impaired driving charges $4.5+ million in drugs seized 42 lockdown drills by School Resource Officers 164,125 exhibits handled by the Digital Evidence Management Team 1,452,492 kilometers traveled by our fleet vehicles I invite you to read through the report at https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/reports.  You will see highlights of the impact of our work, including intelligence-led policing, targeted enforcement, prevention efforts, and technology that are helping improve public safety and reduce harm. I am and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community as we move forward with focus, purpose, and commitment. I extend my sincere thanks to our sworn and civilian members, community partners, and residents. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and together we continue working toward a safer, more supportive community for everyone. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police