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

Missing Person - Daniella NEKULIAK

March 13, 2026
TB26009342 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniella NEKULIAK, 62. Daniella was last seen in the Red River Road and St. Patrick Square Area on March 12, 2026. She is described as a female, that stands roughly 5'4'’ tall with a medium build. She has medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a white coat. Thunder Bay Police Service is asking for residents to check their yards, sheds, and vehicles and review any video surveillance for anyone matching her description. If a member of the public spots Daniella, they are asked to call 911. To report any other information regarding the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. A heavy police presence is expected in the Red River Road and St Patrick Square area. The Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association and the OPP are assisting in the ongoing search.

March 2026

March 11, 2026
From March 1 – 7, 2026: · Officers responded to 885 Calls · 911 Calls received: 1,750 · Total calls received: 4,061 

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

March 6, 2026
TB26008394 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and an arrest. Officers with the Intelligence Unit began the investigation in February 2026, after receiving reports of drug trafficking in Thunder Bay. On March 5, 2026, officers located and arrested two suspects on Simpson Street. Suspected illegal drugs, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Officers also conducted a search at a property on Memorial Avenue During the search, a loaded handgun, suspected crack cocaine, cocaine, hydromorphone, and oxycodone were seized. In total approximately 220 grams of suspected cocaine, 1900 hydromorphone pills and 400 oxycodone pills were seized. The total estimated street value of the drugs seized is over $63,000. As a result of the investigation, 37-year-old Jermaine WHITE from Etobicoke 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 (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (three counts) • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon The accused remains in custody with a future court date. A Thunder Bay resident has also been charged with traffic in Schedule 1 substance – cocaine. The accused from Thunder Bay has been released on an undertaking.