September 2025

September 8, 2025

The Thunder Bay Police Service continues its Chat with the Chief community information sessions this fall.


"As your Chief of Police, I believe open dialogue is the foundation of trust,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “These events are your space to ask questions, voice concerns, and help us build a safer, stronger community together. Every comment matters, and every voice is welcome."


Join Chief Darcy Fleury:

  • October 15 at 6:00 pm at the Mary JL Black Library
  • November 12 at 12:30 pm at Confederation College


Everyone is welcome to submit questions in advance at https://forms.office.com/r/gr91tUJkkv.


A 911 call unfolds


There's been a motor vehicle accident and someone is injured. Several witnesses call 911.


At the Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters, communications operators first confirm the location and nature of the incident. They then enter the information into a dispatch system that prioritizes calls based on urgency.


Coordinating the response:

  • Both police and Thunder Bay Fire Rescue (TBFR) are dispatched, since there is an injury, possible extrication may be required and/or hazards around the damaged vehicles.
  • Operators connect callers with Superior North EMS to assess the medical needs, dispatch their units, and give first aid instruction to the caller.
  • The TBPS and TBFR Dispatcher keep in contact with police and firefighters to share information to aid their response.
  • Operators collect contact information of callers/witnesses for possible follow-up.


On the scene:

  • Saving lives is the priority for all responders. Once victims are given aid and made safe, the Sergeant on scene will decide if the accident requires an investigation. If so, the road may be closed to preserve the scene and allow the Traffic division to collect evidence, document the accident and interview witnesses. They may also conduct tests to determine whether any drivers are impaired.


Investigation and follow-up:

  • Investigating officers dictate their reports, which are transcribed by our records department. Additional interviews and follow-up calls may be performed by the appropriate officers in the days to come. Arrests or charges depend on the outcome of the investigation.


The calm in crisis:

  • “Their work is often unseen, but it is essential. From handling complex technology to making life-saving decisions in seconds — communications officers are the silent lifeline connecting the community to safety.”

- Megan Petzel, Manager of the Communications Centre


The accident scenario shows one of many ways the highly trained Communications Centre team works behind the scenes.


At each operator’s workstation are seven active screens supporting critical pieces of the emergency response process. Here’s how they serve you:

  • Rapid response begins with a high-tech system that lets us answer all 911, emergency, and non-emergency calls via a headset and screen.
  • Computer-Aided Dispatch means we can dispatch officers and firefighters within seconds.
  • We use the Records Management System to check past reports, address history, officer safety alerts and more to prepare officers before they even arrive at a call.
  • We have specific tools for texting a person who can’t speak during an emergency. When someone is hiding, threatened, or physically unable to talk, this ensures no one is left unheard.
  • Advanced mapping and location tools are used to find people who can’t describe where they are. We’ve located missing persons, responded to domestic violence situations, and helped track people in mental health distress who didn’t know their own location.
  • Specialized tools and real-time location data are used to track suspects — aiding in everything from robbery cases to locating stolen property.
  • When disaster strikes or call volume surges, we rely on real-time data monitoring and trend tracking to adapt quickly, maintain service, and ensure emergency resources are used effectively.
  • Operators expertly manage the programs while also listening to multiple police radio channels, dispatching officers, tracking their safety, and passing along critical information in real-time. This is how communications operators answer the call.


Interesting in Answering the Call? We are currently accepting applications for Communication Operator positions and encourage all candidates who are seeking a rewarding career, who value diversity and are committed to providing our community with exceptional service to apply. Visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/careers/communication-operator


Update from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board


The Board looks forward to a productive and eventful month ahead. The Board’s next meeting is September 16th, 2025 at 10:30 AM. Watch the next meeting LIVE here: https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to charges

April 29, 2026
TB26015704 An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. The investigation led to a home and vehicle being searched in the Limbrick Street area on April 28, 2026. During the searches suspected crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, morphine capsules, items associated with drug trafficking and over $8,000 Canadian cash was seized. The approximate total value of the suspected controlled substances is $81,600.00. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Justine BEELEY of Thunder Bay and 43-year-old Jeffery MCCARTHY of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were released from custody following their first court appearance, with a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to numerous charges

April 29, 2026
TB26007663, TB26008444, TB26015656 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On February 28, 2026, officers with the Traffic Unit were on patrol in the Simpson Street area. A bright blue Dodge pickup truck was seen exiting a business parking lot with invalid plates. Officers determined that the driver of the vehicle was using a plate not authorized for the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop on Walsh Street East. While an officer was approaching the vehicle, the driver put the car in reverse and drove towards the officer at a high rate of speed hitting a police cruiser, before leaving the scene. No officers sustained injuries during the interaction. The pickup truck was located a short while later at the intersection of Arthur Street East and Syndicate Avenue south in a snowbank. The driver had fled the scene. On March 6, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Windsor Street South area when they located a sleeping driver behind the wheel of a running vehicle with incorrect plates. When officers tried to speak to the driver, they fled the scene. On April 28, 2026, officers located the suspect in both incidents. Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit arrested the suspect in the Pearl Street area while on patrol as part of Project Support an initiative aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The arrest occurred following a brief foot pursuit. As a result of multiple investigations, 40-year-old Randall NAULT from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud) • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (three counts) • Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance • Dangerous operation (two counts) • Flight from peace officer (two counts) • Failure to comply with release order (five counts) • Aggravated assault of peace officer (Assault Level 3) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Failure to stop after accident (two counts) • Theft under $5,000 • Resist peace officer The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance. Thank you to members of the public for their assistance with identifying the accused following a Thunder Bay Police Service public appeal for information.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating collision involving pedestrian and train

April 27, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a sudden death following a collision involving a train and a pedestrian. The incident occurred on the evening of April 25, 2026, near Fort William Road. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to the scene where a deceased individual was located. The Forensic Identification Unit and Traffic Unit are involved in the investigation. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.