Thunder Bay Police Service announces the results of Project Support

September 8, 2026

A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Operational Support Unit Project has resulted in hundreds of social service referrals and dozens of arrests.


Project Support launched on April 20, 2026, as a focused public-safety and community-support initiative in Thunder Bay’s north and south downtown cores. The initiative combined high-visibility foot and vehicle patrols, proactive engagement, lawful enforcement, business outreach, and social service referrals.


As the project progressed, TBPS broadened the deployment in response to recurring calls for service at other high-activity commercial locations. Additional resources were assigned to Memorial Avenue and Dawson Road areas beginning on July 9, 2026.


The expanded response utilized personnel and expertise from across the Thunder Bay Police Service.


In addition to the officers assigned directly to Project Support from Community Service and the Emergency Task Unit, the Project included support from Primary Response, the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments.


This coordinated model increased officer visibility, supported investigations and warrant enforcement, and allowed officers to respond quickly to emerging problems across the expanded Project area.


During the course of Project Support TBPS recorded:

·        More than 9,100 engagements with businesses and the public

·        343 service referrals offered

·        89 service referrals were accepted

·        78 arrests were made

·        74 provincial offence notices were issued


Project Support used a balanced approach: visible policing and proportionate enforcement were paired with voluntary referrals, wellness checks, medical assistance and direct engagement with community partners.


As a pilot, Project Support has concluded. However, based on the outcomes of the pilot project, visible patrols will continue in Thunder Bay’s commercial areas.


The final activity results demonstrate sustained proactive policing across the original downtown zones and the expanded Thunder Centre and Dawson Road deployments. The addition of resources from Primary Response, BEAR, Investigative Services and Special Constable deployments allowed the Service to respond directly to business and community concerns.

Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to child luring charges

September 3, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in July 2026 after officers received a report about a resident luring a minor. On July 28, 2026, officers seized an electronic device as part of the investigation. On September 2, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 26-year-old Syed Shayan MUNAWAR of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Luring a person under 18 years of age by means of telecommunication • Make sexually explicit material available to a person under 18 years of age • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . 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 – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. 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. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. 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.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

August 27, 2026
TB26004555 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in February 2026, in response to a report of an individual possessing and attempting to access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) through the Bing search engine. In July a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of 10 electronic devices. On August 26, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Blair O’CONNOR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . 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 – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. 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. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. 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.