Suspect faces several charges following weapons incident

January 20, 2025

One person faces several firearms-related charges after police responded to a weapons incident last week.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to an address in the 100 block of Cumberland Street South at about 9 a.m. on Friday, January 17, after receiving reports that a firearm had been discharged.

 

Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, Primary Response Branch and Emergency Task Unit were all involved in the initial response.

 

The area was contained and secured by responding officers. A male suspect was identified and located. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

 

There have been no reported injuries.

 

The Criminal Investigations Branch has provided assistance with the investigation.

 

Jeffrey Darren PLESON, 38, is charged with the following:

 

•             Careless Use of a Firearm

•             Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Weapon

•             Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence

•             Discharging Firearm with Intent

•             Failure to Comply with Probation Order

 

The accused appeared in court over the weekend and has been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

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Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.