Suspect arrested after two people pepper sprayed
April 25, 2025
A woman faces multiple charges after police responded to two people being pepper sprayed on the city's south side.
Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the area of May Street and Miles Street shortly before 11 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, after receiving a report that two individuals had been assaulted.
Responding officers located a male and a female who had both been pepper sprayed. The victims provided a description of the suspect.
Officers located a group of individuals nearby. Evidence resulted in a female suspect being identified and arrested and taken into custody.
Autumn Caitlyn BUCHAN, 25, is charged with Assault with a Weapon x2, Administering Noxious Thing x2, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose, and Breach of Probation.
The accused appeared in court on Friday and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.
TB26005390 A Thunder Bay resident is facing a manslaughter charge following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Investigation. On February 10, 2026, TBPS’ Crime Against Elders officer received information about an assault that took place on February 4, 2026, at an assisted living facility. A victim was transported to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre on February 5, 2026. On February 18, 2026, the victim, an 81-year-old from Thunder Bay, died in hospital. As a result of the investigation, a 58-year-old Thunder Bay resident has been charged with Manslaughter. The accused has been released with an undertaking and a future court date.
TB26006283 A multi-vehicle collision in Thunder Bay has led to charges. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Arthur Street area on February 16, 2026, when they observed a pickup truck driving at over 100 kilometres per hour in a residential area. Officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign. The Traffic Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR, is facing the following charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Cannabis Control Act, and Criminal Code of Canada: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Dangerous operation • Flight from peace officer • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (three counts) • Fail to surrender insurance card • Driver fail to surrender licence • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle • Person under 19 years – possess cannabis • Fail to notify change of address • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available • Class G1 license holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.
Online Reporting: freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents Since launching a new online reporting service last February, the Thunder Bay Police Service has become a national leader in the use of the technology. The reporting platform allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online from anywhere, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence. The system redirects thousands of calls away from frontline response, freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents. 677 online reports were submitted in January, 2026. “This is a good example of one of the many ways we enhance efficiency,” noted Chief Darcy Fleury. “The community has access to a convenient reporting tool, and officers can focus on priority responses.” People can use the online portal to report theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. The platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report. Daniyar Akhmedjanov, Co-founder of Rubicon - the online reporting platform – was recently in Thunder Bay to see how our team members have grown the system. “TBPS has built one of the most developed virtual/alternate response operations in the country – so we came to learn from the best (and bring those lessons back to other agencies),” he said.
