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.

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to multiple voyeurism charges

June 17, 2026
TB26011668 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began on March 30, 2026, in response to a report of voyeurism. On April 8, 2026, officers searched a home on Thunder Bay’s north end and seized several electronic devices. A suspect in the case turned themselves in at the Thunder Bay Police Service Station on June 16, 2026. As a result of the investigation, 46-year-old Brock BODNAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Voyeurism (six counts) 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 .

Thunder Bay Police Service invites community to National Indigenous Peoples’ Day event and artwork unveiling

June 16, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) invites the community to a special event on National Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Everyone is welcome to join us for a free community breakfast and the unveiling of artwork depicting the Seven Grandfather Teachings, created by local artist Jessica Mamakeesick. June 21, 2026 8:00 am – 9:30 am Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters 1200 Balmoral Street Parking is available in Outlaws Burgers and Fries parking lot located across from the police station. The Seven Grandfather Teachings are for anyone to honour and live by: Love - accept all unconditionally. Truth - always speak truthful and without judgement. Humility - treat everyone equally with empathy and compassion. Honesty - to have the courage to say and do the right thing – to be honest with oneself. Respect - develop relationships that are mutual and reciprocal. Courage - stand tall through adversity with convictions and integrity. Wisdom - a combination of experience, knowledge, and teachings to make sound judgement with ability to separate inner qualities and relationships. “Displaying the Seven Grandfather Teachings promotes understanding, respect and appreciation for Indigenous traditions, and fosters inclusivity and open dialogue,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It will also serve as a reminder of the similarities between the Teachings, and the values demonstrated every day by TBPS Members.” “I am grateful to the members of our Elders’ Council and Indigenous Leadership Collaborative who shared their guidance and support for this project,” added Fleury. “Their guidance has been instrumental, and I want them to know that we are listening carefully and taking action in ways that reflect what they have shared with us.” Financial support for this initiative was provided by the City of Thunder Bay’s Clean, Green and Beautiful Emerging Project Grant.

Thunder Bay Police Service brings professional development training closer to home

June 12, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) hosted the Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) at the TBPS Station from June 8 to 12, 2026, bringing the training program closer to home. SLI is an FBI-LEEDA program — they’re the gold standard for law enforcement leadership training in North America. FBI-LEEDA — the Law Enforcement Executive Development Association — is a private, non-profit organization that grew out of the FBI’s executive training programs. The program operates independently and is not part of the FBI. The course runs for five days and is open to front-line supervisors and any police leaders, sworn or civilian. The Ontario Provincial Police, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, and the University of North Dakota Police Service participated in the course alongside TBPS. There was a total of 24 participants, 16 of which were members of TBPS. The instructor is Chief David Boggs, a retired Chief of Police out of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, FBI National Academy grad, and an FBI Executive Teaching Fellow. The course covers leadership principles, building credibility, discipline and supervisor liability, and participants do a personal DISC leadership style assessment. The DISC leadership assessment is a behavioral profiling tool that categorizes individuals into four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. “Supervisors who complete the SLI return with practical, immediately applicable leadership skills — better equipped to manage their teams, handle discipline consistently and defensibly, and build credibility with the people they lead,” explained TBPS Inspector of Operational Support Jason Rybak. “It strengthens the overall quality of supervision across the organization and contributes to a more professional, accountable police service.” Today it is recognized as the leading provider of law enforcement leadership education in North America, having trained tens of thousands of officers and leaders across hundreds of courses annually. “Strong supervision produces better policing,” added Rybak. “When front-line supervisors lead with credibility, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions, it translates directly into how officers interact with the public. Communities benefit from a police service where leadership at every level is intentional, accountable, and committed to continuous improvement.” Their core program is the Leadership Trilogy — three progressive courses targeting every level of police leadership: • The Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI) • Command Leadership Institute (CLI) • Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) Graduates who have completed all three programs also earn transferable college credit upon completion.