Suspect charged with weapons offences

February 27, 2025

Police arrested a suspect after responding to an attempted robbery involving a weapon.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to a commercial address in the 100 block of Cumberland Street North on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26, after receiving reports of a robbery that had just occurred.

 

A male suspect had entered the location and attempted to conceal merchandise. When confronted by staff, the suspect attempted to leave. Staff were able to retrieve the stolen merchandise. The suspect then brandished a knife towards staff members before leaving the store.

 

An officer with the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit also responded to the area and located an individual matching the suspect description.

 

The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Alvin O'KEESE, 41, is charged with Assault with a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose.

 

The accused appeared in court on Thursday and has been remanded into custody.

October 27, 2025
Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it. From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe. At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities. While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city. That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay. The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.  Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.
October 23, 2025
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