March 2025

March 3, 2025

Online reporting is convenient because people can report crimes any time from a home computer, tablet or smartphone. TBPS recently launched a new and expanded online reporting service which allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence. Eligible report types include theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. Incidents must have occurred within Thunder Bay Police Service jurisdiction. As always, in emergency situations, please call 911.


The new platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report.


More information about the Thunder Bay Police Service online incident reporting system can be found here: https://thunderbaypolice.ca/services/online-reporting


Connecting with our Community Outreach Branch


The Community Outreach Branch consists of units focused on a variety of mandates. The common theme between each of these units is that they achieve their goals through strategic community partnerships. 


To support our partners and community members to more easily and directly access our specialized Community Outreach teams, new email addresses were created and are checked daily by Supervisors.   


  • The Community Inclusion Team (CIT) CIT strives to build positive relationships between police, Indigenous people, other racialized and underrepresented groups they serve. Email CIT@thunderbaypolice.ca
  • School Resource Officers (SRO) have a special relationship with the city’s schools and school boards. They are often called upon to provide students and school staff with educational presentations or conduct safety drills. Email SRO@thunderbaypolice.ca
  • Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) officers are part of a high-visibility unit that identifies specific issues and problem areas of the city and executes projects focused on addressing the root problems. Email CORE@thunderbaypolice.ca
  • The Social Navigation Coordinator works closely with our Social Services partners within the region, assisting persons both in custody and in the community with access to supports such as housing, medical (mental health) supports, and food insecurity.

 

2023 by the numbers


In 2023, Members of the TBPS responded to 54,694 Calls for Service. The majority of those involve our Primary Response Branch. The Branch includes the Emergency Tactical Unit, which was involved in 115 High Risk calls for service in 2023.


That same year, there were a total of 2,911 motor vehicle collisions. 201 impaired driving charges were laid. 70 motor vehicle collisions involved impaired drivers.


Answering the call – Economic Crime Unit


Last week, TBPS issued a Scam Alert to the community regarding “Shoulder Surfers”. These are scammers who will closely watch customers when making purchases to obtain their personal identification number (PIN) before stealing the card and then using it for their own transactions. They often take advantage of seniors.


Our Economic Crime Unit (ECU) monitors and responds to this type of activity. The ECU investigates crimes related to financial fraud, money laundering, corruption, and other economic offenses. Members in this unit focus on identifying, preventing, and prosecuting illegal activities that harm individuals, businesses, or the economy, such as credit card fraud, tax evasion, or investment scams. They work closely with other law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to track and investigate financial crimes. Many financial crimes are globally driven and reach around the world. It’s common for the ECU to write production orders where results go overseas.


Interested in a career in policing? TBPS offers a wide range of opportunities. To learn more, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.


Thunder Bay Police Service Board


In February, the TBPS Board completed community consultations for the Board's strategic plan, with sessions held with Indigenous youth in the community. The Board remains fully committed and guided by its core principles of transparency, accountability, and community engagement.


At the February 2025 TBPS Board meeting, the Service presented updates on its ‘Procedures for Family Communications’ for victims of crime. This initiative outlines the processes by which the Service engages and maintains contact with victims and their families, even when there are limited leads or updates in ongoing cases. The full meeting highlights are available on the TBPS Board’s official website: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TBPSB-Meeting-Highlights-Feb.-18-2025-1.pdf


Coming up in March:


The TBPS Board is proud to sponsor and participate in Lakehead University's 35th Annual Powwow March 7 -9. Learn more at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/indigenous/events/event-archive/2024/node/252421


The Board's next meeting is on Tuesday, March 18th.


Submit your question anytime to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

October 7, 2026
TB26033026 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began on August 19, 2026, in response to a report of a local resident uploading child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) to the Bing search engine. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified. On September 24, 2026, officers searched a home in Thunder Bay and seized multiple electronic devices as part of the investigation. On October 7, 2026, the suspect turned themselves in to Thunder Bay Police Service Headquarters. As a result of the investigation, 56-year-old Jeffrey PETERS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts. Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and reporting of any online exploitation can also be made, at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at 807-684-1200 ex. 407. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

Suspect arrested after police respond to weapons call

October 7, 2026
TB26038332 Police officers intervened and stopped an assault in progress where the assailant was in possession of a weapon. Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to an address on Arthur Street West shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, after receiving multiple reports of an assault that was occurring. Information was received that the suspect was wielding a knife while assaulting an adult male. Responding officers located a male matching the suspect description. The suspect was arrested and found to be in possession of a knife. The officers spoke to the victim and learned that the suspect had demanded money before brandishing a knife and committing assault. Zachery JIM, 31, is charged with the following: • Robbery • Assault with a Weapon • Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose • Uttering Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm The accused individual was remanded into custody following an initial court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit patrol leads to charges

October 7, 2026
TB26037650 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in charges. Officers were on patrol in the Machar Avenue area on September 18, 2026, when they saw an individual attempting to gain access to a locked vehicle. The suspect fled after officers made initial contact. Officers located and arrested the suspect following a brief foot pursuit. A search of the suspect led to stolen items being located and seized. As a result of the investigation, 25-year-old Darnell BRETHOUR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose · Carrying concealed weapon · Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000 · Fail to comply with probation order (two counts)  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.