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

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to arrest

September 25, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit and Operational Support Unit were dispatched to a business in the Court Street South area at approximately 10:05 AM on September 25, 2026, in response to a weapons call for service. The suspect left the scene before officers arrived. A search of the area led to the suspect being located and arrested. A search of the accused led to the seizure of two-edged weapons. As a result of the investigation 24-year-old Silas KING from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: Uttering threats – damage property Mischief under $5,000 Resist peace officer Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation leads to seizure of roughly $25,000 worth of illegal drugs

September 25, 2026
TB26038465 A Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in September 2026, in response to reports of drug trafficking. On September 23, 2026, officers with the Emergency Task Unit, Intelligence Unit, and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Ogden Street area. A search of the home led to the seizure of roughly four grams of suspected crack cocaine and under one gram of suspected fentanyl, along with other items associated with drug trafficking. During the search two suspects were located and arrested. Later that same day officers located and arrested a third suspect. A search of the suspect led to the seizure of a loaded firearm, as well as over 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 27 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 9 hydromorphone tablets. The street value of the seized drugs is approximately $25,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Boiyce NIEMI 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 (two counts) • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Carrying concealed weapon • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Unauthorized possession of prohibited device or ammunition • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order As a result of the investigation 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN 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 • Failure to comply with release order As a result of the investigation 46-year-old William GODICK 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 All of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service emphasises school traffic safety alongside community partners as the 2026/2027 school year continues

September 24, 2026
With the 2026/2027 school year underway, the Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents about traffic safety in school zones and all Thunder Bay roads. Drivers should be aware of increased youth pedestrian traffic in and around school zones. Many students will utilize city crosswalks on their journey to school. Drivers should ensure that they remain observant and are prepared to stop for crossing guards at crosswalks. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, drivers should wait for the crossing guard to return to the sidewalk prior to continuing their drive. Following the Act supports safer roads while drivers can avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. School buses are also back on local roadways. Motorists are asked to make sure they are stopping for school buses that have a sign out and lights flashing. According to the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, every driver when approaching from the front or rear of a stopped school bus that has its stop arm actuated, shall stop and shall not proceed until the bus moves or the stop arm is no longer extended. Following the Act protects the community while ensuring that drivers avoid the following penalties: (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not less than $400 and not more than $2,000; and (b) for each subsequent offence, to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or to both. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.