Suspects arrested after robbery in unlicensed ride-share vehicle

April 28, 2025

Two people have been arrested after the female passenger in an unlicensed ride-sharing vehicle was held against her will and was the victim of a robbery and sexual assault

The Thunder Bay Police Service received a report that an adult female had arranged for a ride through a group chat just before 11 p.m. on Thursday, April 24. Upon entering the vehicle, the victim had been threatened with a weapon by another occupant. The victim was threatened to cooperate and surrender personal items of value, in addition to e-transferring funds.

 

After completing the transfer, the victim was able to exit the vehicle. A short time later, she attended the police station to report the incident.

 

Members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the investigation.

 

Investigative efforts led to two suspects being identified and arrested on Friday, April 25.

 

Safwaan MANSURI, 23, is charged with the following:

•             Robbery with a Firearm

•             Forcible Confinement

•             Uttering Threats to Cause Death

•             Disguise with Intent

•             Sexual Assault with a Weapon

 

Harsh JETHAVA, 21, is charged with the following:

•             Robbery with a Firearm

•             Forcible Confinement

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime

 

The accused have appeared in court and been remanded in custody with future appearance dates.

 

The Thunder Bay Police Service urges members of the public to be cautious about utilizing unlicensed ride-sharing services. If you believe you were the victim or witness of a similar incident, please contact investigators at (807) 684-1200. If you have information that could assist investigators and want to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service Highlights Importance of Early Reporting in Missing Person Cases During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

January 9, 2026
As communities across Canada recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents that there is no waiting period to report a missing person. Families are encouraged to contact police immediately if a loved one goes missing or is at risk. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigates all missing person reports. If someone you care about is missing and you are concerned for their safety, please contact the police right away. Delay is one of the most significant factors that can impact the outcome of a missing person investigation. This reminder is especially important as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, an estimated 772,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, with projections suggesting that number could reach nearly 1 million by 2030. In Northern Ontario, where communities have proportionately more older adults and face challenges such as limited access to specialized care, dementia is often underdiagnosed or underreported. Individuals living with dementia may experience confusion, memory loss, anxiety, and disorientation, increasing the risk of becoming lost or wandering even in early stages when they may appear independent. Support is Available: If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss or symptoms related to dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s First Link® program provides guidance, education, and connection to local supports. Families do not have to navigate this alone. ( https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr ) Prepare & Plan Ahead: Six in ten people living with dementia are at risk of becoming lost. Families can reduce risk and be better prepared by considering steps such as: • Installing door chimes to alert caregivers when doors open • Securing vehicle keys and activating vehicle location services where possible • Knowing what bank cards or funds the person may have access to • Enabling cellphone location sharing, when appropriate • Keeping a current photograph and key details readily available to share with police in an emergency Families may also wish to explore locator devices or technology supports suited to their needs. Identification tools and planning resources are also available through the provincial Finding Your Way® program, which helps families prepare for incidents of going missing and supports safe, independent living for people with dementia. If a person with dementia goes missing — call 911 immediately. Do not assume they will return on their own. Do not feel you are “overreacting.” Weather conditions, traffic, unfamiliar surroundings, and confusion can place a missing person at serious risk. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service joins the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay in recognizing families, caregivers, and everyone impacted by dementia in our community. Together, we can support safety, dignity, and awareness. For more information, resources, and support, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or visit their website at https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en . Additional missing person information can be found on the Thunder Bay Police Service Missing Persons Information and Resource Page here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/missing-person-resources---advice