April 2025

April 7, 2025

In 2024, a total of 267 authentic firearms were seized by TBPS, compared to 139 in 2023.


Given the increase in prevalence of firearms and their involvement in the commission of violent crime over recent years, when officers respond to situations where a potential firearm may be present, they must assume that the weapon is real and accessible until proven otherwise. 


Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit


From Jan. 1, 2024, to early March 2025, the BEAR Unit investigated numerous offences, laid more than 500 charges and made more than 275 arrests.


The BEAR Unit is a specialty unit with unique investigative training. The BEAR Unit was developed to combat the increasing prevalence of break and enters, thefts and robberies. In addition, the BEAR Unit members are often called upon to arrest high-risk suspects wanted on warrants. 


Chat with the Chief – Mark your calendar


Everyone is welcome to “Chat with the Chief” events. These events allow TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury and other leaders to provide updates and answer questions from community members. 


Upcoming events:


Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm                   

BCG Thunder Bay, Windsor Street               


Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30)

Waverly Resource Library, Red River Road


Anyone who prefers to submit questions in advance can complete a short, anonymous survey at https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH, Questions for the Chief can be submitted at any time to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Balancing High-Stakes Calls with Heartfelt Teamwork


Chantel Randell was looking for a career change where she could have a real impact. Today, as a TBPS 911 Communications Operator, Chantel makes a difference every single shift.


Emergency calls are unpredictable and managing them takes skill. “The ever-changing nature of the work is one of the aspects I truly enjoy,” Chantel says.


Communication and team trust are essential in ensuring callers get the help they need, and first responders receive accurate information. “This is where the strength of our teamwork truly shines,” Chantel says.


“There was one call that took everything we had—our focus, our energy, and our teamwork,” Chantel recalls. After the crisis, the team took time to check in with each other and share a moment of self-care, even sharing ice cream to decompress. “We have each other’s backs. This is what sets us apart.”


April 13 – 19 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to celebrate the dedicated and talented 911 Operators who are essential to emergency responses. Thank you to the valued members of the TBPS Communications team.


Answer the call. Interested in a career as a 911 Operator? The pay is great, and the schedule is 4-on-4-off. To learn more, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.


Updates from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board


In March, the Board reviewed the results of the 2024 Citizens’ Satisfaction and Trust Survey Results for the Thunder Bay Police Service.


A key theme is disparities across demographics, with results noting a substantial difference in how younger and lower-income respondents perceive and experience policing. Overall:


  • The majority of total respondents feel very or somewhat safe in Thunder Bay, and 82% would contact the police if they were a victim of crime or were worried about something.
  • However, 53% of Indigenous respondents say they do not feel safe in Thunder Bay, and 65% would be willing to contact the TBPS if they were the victim of a crime or were worried about something.
  • 68% of total respondents feel that TBPS officers would treat them with respect if they had contact with them for any reason.
  • Of the respondents who had contact with TBPS in the prior 12 months, 77% felt they were treated respectfully to a large extent or to some extent by the officer or staff member.


The top concerns for policing efforts identified by respondents are violence, illegal firearms, and drug-related issues. 

Almost half of respondents want the police to prioritize patrolling neighbourhoods and interacting with residents.


Respondents said that outside of police, efforts to address addictions, mental health, and affordable housing issues play a critical role in improving community safety.


52% of respondents feel “working with diverse people and communities” are the most important police actions required to keep their community safe.

 

Survey results inform ongoing strategic and operational planning. To read the full survey, visit https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Thunder-Bay-Public-Safety-Pulse-Report-2024-corrected.pdf


TBPS Board in the Community


The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to sponsor and participate in the ICTC 35th Annual Powwow at Lakehead University from March 7th-9th.


The full highlights from the March 18th board meeting are available at: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TBPSB-Meeting-Highlights-March-18-2025_Updated.pdf


Coming up for the Board in April:

  • The TBPSB will release its 2025 Q1 Report.


The Board's next meeting is on Tues. April 15th. Watch the meeting LIVE at https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html


Thunder Bay Police respond to weapons call on city’s north end

January 18, 2026
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.

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.