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.


Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation leads to several charges

September 17, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit drug trafficking investigation has resulted in several charges. Officers began the investigation in August 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. Through the investigation two suspects were identified. On September 3, 2026, around 7:40 PM officers with the Emergency Task Unit located and arrested a suspect in the Limbrick Street and Vale Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspect cocaine, fentanyl, and Canadian cash. On September 3, 2026, around 8:10 PM officers with the Intelligence Unit located and arrested a second suspect in the Victoria Avenue and Oakwood Avenue area. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of suspected fentanyl and Canadian cash. A total of over 30 grams of suspected fentanyl and 110 grams of suspected cocaine were seized, alongside a large fixed blade knife and over $4,000 in cash. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $17,280 As a result of the investigation, 38-year-old Terry PELTO of 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 over $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Fail to comply with probation order As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old William JIMOH 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 • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

September 2026

September 17, 2026
Public safety depends on trust, visibility, accountability, and partnership. Through Project Support, the Thunder Bay Police Service worked with residents, businesses, service providers, and community partners to respond to concerns in our downtown and commercial areas. The initiative combined visible patrols, outreach, wellness checks, medical assistance, service referrals, and lawful enforcement. There were more than 9,100 community and business engagements, 343 service referrals, 89 referrals accepted, 78 arrests, and 74 provincial offence notices issued. Behind those numbers are people, conversations, and opportunities to connect individuals with support while addressing behaviour that affects shared spaces. Although the pilot has concluded, visible patrols will continue as we build on what we have learned. This work began by listening to community concerns, and those conversations will continue. Recent engagement, including the “Our Safe Voice, Strong Community” event with Tapestry Women’s Network Thunder Bay, reinforced openness, understanding, and shared responsibility — values that also guide how we honour service and sacrifice. In that spirit, I invite the community to attend this year’s Police and Peace Officers’ Memorial Service on Sunday, September 27, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 207 S. Brodie Street. This tradition gives us an opportunity to honour police and peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities. In the past year, we have seen several officers lose their lives while answering the call to serve. This is our chance to remember their dedication, recognize their sacrifice, and ensure their legacy is never forgotten. Thank you for your continued commitment to Thunder Bay. We will keep listening, working with you, and showing up for the safety and well-being of this community. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police 

Primary Response Unit and Break, Enter, and Robbery Unit investigation into several robberies leads to charges

September 16, 2026
TB26030425, TB26030409, TB26030194, TB26030104, TB26029945, TB26029701, TB26029432 A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit and Break Enter and Robbery Unit investigation into several robberies has resulted in numerous charges. On July 26, 2026, Primary Response Unit officers were dispatched to a business on May Street North in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On July 28, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business in the Fort William Road area in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On July 30, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business in the Arthur Street West area in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On July 31, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Arthur Street West in response to a report of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. Officers reviewed video footage from the incident and the investigation continued. On August 1, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Support Unit followed up on a call for service from July 30, 2026, regarding a robbery at a business on Fort William Road. Officers obtained video footage from the incident and identified that it was the same suspect from the aforementioned robbery investigations started on July 26, July 28, and July 30, 2026. On August 2, 2026, through continued investigation officers with the Primary Response Unit identified the suspect. Later that same day officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Arthur Street West in response to a weapons call. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. The Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the investigation on August 4, 2026. The BEAR Unit followed up on a call for service from August 1, 2026, regarding a robbery that had occurred at a business in the May Street North area. Later that day officers with the BEAR Unit connected the suspect to additional investigations leading to a re-arrest where more charges were laid. As a result of the investigations, 37-year-old Jacob SAMSON of Webequie First Nation is facing the following charges: · Assault with a weapon (four counts) · Theft under $5,000 – shoplifting (six counts) · Uttering Threats – cause death or bodily harm · Fail to comply with probation order (eight counts) · Failure to comply with release order (seven counts) · Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose (three counts) · Robbery with weapon  The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.