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.

Fraud Friday: ATM cash-trapping scams

August 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking 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).

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into stolen vehicle leads to charges

August 20, 2026
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
TB26032479