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 Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to charges

April 29, 2026
TB26015704 An investigation by the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Break, Enter, and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. The investigation led to a home and vehicle being searched in the Limbrick Street area on April 28, 2026. During the searches suspected crack cocaine, suspected fentanyl, morphine capsules, items associated with drug trafficking and over $8,000 Canadian cash was seized. The approximate total value of the suspected controlled substances is $81,600.00. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old Justine BEELEY of Thunder Bay and 43-year-old Jeffery MCCARTHY of Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were released from custody following their first court appearance, with a future court date.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigation leads to numerous charges

April 29, 2026
TB26007663, TB26008444, TB26015656 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. On February 28, 2026, officers with the Traffic Unit were on patrol in the Simpson Street area. A bright blue Dodge pickup truck was seen exiting a business parking lot with invalid plates. Officers determined that the driver of the vehicle was using a plate not authorized for the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop on Walsh Street East. While an officer was approaching the vehicle, the driver put the car in reverse and drove towards the officer at a high rate of speed hitting a police cruiser, before leaving the scene. No officers sustained injuries during the interaction. The pickup truck was located a short while later at the intersection of Arthur Street East and Syndicate Avenue south in a snowbank. The driver had fled the scene. On March 6, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Windsor Street South area when they located a sleeping driver behind the wheel of a running vehicle with incorrect plates. When officers tried to speak to the driver, they fled the scene. On April 28, 2026, officers located the suspect in both incidents. Officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit arrested the suspect in the Pearl Street area while on patrol as part of Project Support an initiative aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The arrest occurred following a brief foot pursuit. As a result of multiple investigations, 40-year-old Randall NAULT from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Personation with intent to avoid arrest, prosecution or obstruct justice (identity fraud) • Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (three counts) • Owner operate a motor vehicle without insurance • Dangerous operation (two counts) • Flight from peace officer (two counts) • Failure to comply with release order (five counts) • Aggravated assault of peace officer (Assault Level 3) • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Failure to stop after accident (two counts) • Theft under $5,000 • Resist peace officer The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance. Thank you to members of the public for their assistance with identifying the accused following a Thunder Bay Police Service public appeal for information.

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating collision involving pedestrian and train

April 27, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a sudden death following a collision involving a train and a pedestrian. The incident occurred on the evening of April 25, 2026, near Fort William Road. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to the scene where a deceased individual was located. The Forensic Identification Unit and Traffic Unit are involved in the investigation. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.