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.


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