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. 

 

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit project leads to 276 HTA, CAIA, LLCA charges

September 15, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit project has led to numerous Highway Traffic Act (HTA), Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA), and Liquor Licence and Control Act (LLCA) charges. Officers were conducting a back-to-school and aggressive driving project between September 6, 2026, and September 11, 2026. Enforcement took place during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours. A total of 276 charges were laid under the HTA, CAIA, and LLCA. Five of the HTA charges were issued for stunt driving by speeding, two of which were for racing a motor vehicle. Over 110 tickets were issued for speeding. Other charges issued include: • Unsafe vehicle • Careless driving • Display screen visible to driver prohibited • Commercial motor vehicle related charges • Suspended driver There were also provincial summonses issued for: • Drive motor vehicle with no licence • Owner operates motor vehicle on a highway with no insurance • Drive motor vehicle with no permit An additional eight Criminal Code charges were also laid including: • Dangerous operation • Operation while impaired (three counts) • Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus) • Failure or refusal to comply with demand • Operation while prohibited

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

September 15, 2026
TB26032236, TB26031693, TB26031586, TB26033789, TB26032978, TB26033113, TB26033138 A Thunder Bay Police Service Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit investigation has resulted in dozens of charges. On August 9, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit attended a business in the Cumberland Street North area in response to reports of a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. On August 10, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to a business on Balsam Street in response to a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. On August 14, 2026, officers responded to a business in the Balsam Street area following another robbery, by the same suspect. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. The BEAR Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. On August 24, 2026, officers were dispatched to a business in the Cumberland Street North area in response to a robbery. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. On August 26, 2026, the suspect was located and arrested in the Cumberland Street North and Villa Street area. That same day, BEAR Unit officers connected the suspect to three ongoing robbery investigations at a business in the Beverly Street area which occurred between August 18, 2026, and August 19, 2026, leading to additional charges. As a result of the investigation, 25-year-old Jayden MATTHEWS of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Robbery with weapon (three counts) • Robbery with violence (four counts) • Disguise with intent (three counts) • Obstruct peace officer • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose (six counts) • Failure to comply with release order (seven counts) The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Online reports lead to several charges following Patrol Support Callback Unit investigation

September 14, 2026
TB26604490, TB26604491, TB26604484, TB26604468, TB26604430, TB26604415, TB26604414, TB26604140, TB26604006 A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) Patrol Support Callback Unit (PSCU) and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit investigation has resulted in several charges. On August 1, 2026, the Thunder Bay Police Service received an online report regarding mischief that had occurred at a residence in the Arthur Street West area. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. On August 5, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding mischief in the Price Arthur Boulevard area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On August 12, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding mischief in the Fort William Road area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On August 18, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding mischief and a theft in the Donald Street East area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On August 21, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding mischief and a theft in the Fort William Road area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On August 25, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding a theft in the Lillie Street North area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On August 31, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding two cases of mischief that had occurred in the Selkirk Street North area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On September 2, 2026, TBPS received an online report regarding mischief that occurred in the Arthur Street West area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On September 7, 2026, TBPS received a report regarding an attempted theft in the Wiley Street area. A review of security footage led to a suspect being identified. On September 9, 2026, officers with PSCU and the BEAR Unit located and arrested the suspect in the Vickers Street North area. As a result of the investigations, 50-year-old Jason MORGAN of Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Mischief under $5,000 (nine counts) • Fail to comply with probation order (nine counts) • Theft under $5,000 (four counts) The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.