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.


Primary Response Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

August 8, 2026
TB26029440 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers were dispatched to the Pine Street area on July 26, 2026, in response to a call for service regarding a theft. The suspect had fled the scene prior to officers arriving. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 43-year-old Brandon SMITH of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: · Robbery – violence immediately before-after · Mischief under $5,000 · Forcible entry · Failure to comply with release order  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Project Rave leads to significant suspected illicit drug seizure, dozens of charges

August 7, 2026
TB24047484 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has led to dozens of charges and a significant suspected illicit drug seizure. The investigation dubbed Project Rave focused on targeting drug trafficking activities in the downtown north core. The investigation focused on individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs and the disruption of associated criminal networks operating in the area. Project Rave resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of approximately $300,000. The investigation also led to the arrest of six individuals, with a total of 37 charges laid under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. As a result of this investigation, the following seizures were made: • 2761.59 grams suspected Cocaine • 1167 suspected Percocet tablets • 383 grams suspected Crystal Methamphetamine • Currency more than $5000 • 2 vehicles • Brass knuckles and switchblade • 5 cellular devices • 4 digital scales Investigators additionally seized two vehicles and more than $5,000 in Canadian. On July 16, 2026, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit, with assistance from the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau and the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, executed five search warrants at locations throughout the City of Thunder Bay. As a result of this investigation, the following individuals have been arrested as a result of Project Rave: David CAIRNS, 41 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (five counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (six counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Trentin HOLMQUIST, 22 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 (four counts) • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine (three counts) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Erica NEVERLY, 40 from Thunder Bay is 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 a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking - methamphetamine Melanie PRIMEAU, 29 from Thunder Bay is 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 proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence Celina SUTHERLAND, 39 of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 Jesse DAROSA, 35 from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Conspiracy to commit indictable offence CAIRNS and HOLMQUIST were remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. The remaining accused were released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. The successful completion of this investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this investigation. The Thunder Bay Police Service also acknowledges valuable contributions of the Ontario Provincial Police Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Sudbury Police Service, and the Winnipeg Police Service, whose partnerships and assistance were instrumental to the success of this investigation. The investigation remains ongoing.

Missing Person: Clifton LOON, 25

August 6, 2026
TB26030592 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Clifton LOON. Clifton was last seen on August 3, 2026, in the Oliver Road area. LOON is described as an Indigenous male, standing 6’0”, weighing approximately 180 lbs, with black brush-cut hair, and brown eyes. Loon also has a tattoo on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt and black pants. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.