Spring Into Enforcement project results in nearly 250 charges

May 8, 2025

A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit project has resulted in a total of nearly 250 charges.

Police conducted a two-day Spring Into Enforcement blitz throughout Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge on May 6-7, targeting a variety of problematic driving behaviours that are frequently factors in serious collisions and pose significant danger to the general public.

 

This enforcement activity resulted in a total of 247 charges under the Highway Traffic Act and the Ontario Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act.

 

These included:

• 7 stunt drivers who were exceeding the speed limit by at least 40 kilometres per hour on roadways with posted limits of 50km/h or less.

• 151 speeding tickets, with the majority of these being at least 20km/h over the posted limit and occurring in primarily residential areas.

• 14 for failing to slow down or move over for emergency vehicle, which presents a safety risk for emergency services personnel and has been identified as an ongoing issue during previous traffic initiatives.

• 6 distracted driving

• 4 driving without insurance

• 1 vehicle removed from the roadway for being unfit

• 31 court summons for various offences

 

Of particular concern, one driver was arrested after being found travelling over 90km/h in a 50km/h zone on Balmoral Street prior to 8 a.m. The 40-year-old male driver has been charged with Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Impaired – Blood Alcohol Concentration (80 plus), and Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, along with other Highway Traffic Act offences.

 

Police issued a three-day alcohol warn range licence suspension to another driver, who was also charged with stunt driving on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 50km/h.

 

In the first quarter of 2025, the Thunder Bay Police Service has seen an increase in high-speed motorists, particularly those considered stunt driving. Motorists found to be stunt driving (speeding by 40 km/h or more on a road with a posted speed limit less than 80km/h) are subject to a 14-day vehicle impoundment and 30-day licence suspension.

 

With the warmer weather, there is an increase in pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist traffic. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and a split second delay in reaction time due to excessive speed, inattention, or an unfit vehicle can have catastrophic consequences for other road users.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit is dedicated to maintaining road discipline and ensuring that all persons and pedestrians in the City of Thunder Bay and Oliver Paipoonge are permitted to share roadways safely.

Thunder Bay Police Service announces the results of Project Support

September 8, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Operational Support Unit Project has resulted in hundreds of social service referrals and dozens of arrests.  Project Support launched on April 20, 2026, as a focused public-safety and community-support initiative in Thunder Bay’s north and south downtown cores. The initiative combined high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, proactive engagement, lawful enforcement, business outreach, and social service referrals. As the project progressed, TBPS broadened the deployment in response to recurring calls for service at other high-activity commercial locations. Additional resources were assigned to Memorial Avenue and Dawson Road areas beginning on July 9, 2026. The expanded response utilized personnel and expertise from across the Thunder Bay Police Service. In addition to the officers assigned directly to Project Support from Community Service and the Emergency Task Unit, the Project included support from Primary Response, the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments. This coordinated model increased officer visibility, supported investigations and warrant enforcement, and allowed officers to respond quickly to emerging problems across the expanded Project area. During the course of Project Support TBPS recorded: · More than 9,100 engagements with businesses and the public · 343 service referrals offered · 89 service referrals were accepted · 78 arrests were made · 74 provincial offence notices were issued Project Support used a balanced approach: visible policing and proportionate enforcement were paired with voluntary referrals, wellness checks, medical assistance and direct engagement with community partners. As a pilot, Project Support has concluded. However, based on the outcomes of the pilot project, visible patrols will continue in Thunder Bay’s commercial areas. The final activity results demonstrate sustained proactive policing across the original downtown zones and the expanded Thunder Centre and Dawson Road deployments. The addition of resources from Primary Response, BEAR, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments allowed the Service to respond directly to business and community concerns.

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to child luring charges

September 3, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in July 2026 after officers received a report about a resident luring a minor. On July 28, 2026, officers seized an electronic device as part of the investigation. On September 2, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 26-year-old Syed Shayan MUNAWAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication • Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).