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

Thunder Bay Police Service investigating collision involving pedestrian and train

May 12, 2026
TB26017134 The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a sudden death following a collision involving a train and a pedestrian. The incident occurred on the afternoon of May 8, 2026, near the intersection of South Water Street and Pearl Street. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to the scene where a deceased individual was located. The deceased is a 34-year-old man of Thunder Bay. The Forensic Identification Unit and Traffic Unit are involved in the investigation. No other information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.

Update: Missing Person - Nodin Skunk, 25 & Ashlynn BOTTLE, 23

May 12, 2026
TB26016192 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public’s assistance in locating 25-year-old Nodin SKUNK and 23-year-old Ashlynn BOTTLE They were last seen together on April 26, 2026, at 5:12 PM at the old Pool 8 grain elevator in the 400 block of Syndicate Avenue South. Nodin SKUNK is described as an Indigenous male, standing 5'9", weighing roughly 135 pounds, with a thin build, short straight black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white logo on the back. Ashlynn BOTTLE is described as an Indigenous female, standing 5’3”, with a thin build, long straight black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black crop top, a black jacket, a red baseball cap, burgundy sweatpants, red and white Jordan shoes, and a black backpack that is brown around the bottom. If you have any information about the whereabouts of these missing persons, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Police Week Underway Following Flag Raising at City Hall

May 11, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service marked the start of National Police Week alongside the City of Thunder Bay with a formal proclamation from the Mayor, declaring Police Week in Thunder Bay beginning May 11, 2026. National Police Week is observed across Canada each May to recognize the dedication and service of police officers, police professionals, and volunteers who work to keep communities safe. The local proclamation serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of Thunder Bay Police Service members and the important role they play in supporting public safety and community well being. “This proclamation is a meaningful way to recognize the work of our sworn and civilian members,” said Chief of Police Darcy Fleury. “Every day, our members serve the community with professionalism, care, and dedication, often in challenging circumstances. Police Week gives us an opportunity to thank them and to recognize the shared responsibility we all have in building safe and healthy communities.” During Police Week, the Thunder Bay Police Service is hosting Coffee with a Cop events, providing opportunities for residents to meet local officers, ask questions, and engage in informal conversations. These events are intended to foster open dialogue and strengthen relationships between police and the community. The first Coffee with a Cop event is taking place on Thursday at Dolce Coffee House starting at 11:00 AM. Following the proclamation, the Thunder Bay Police Service flag was raised at city hall for the week. The Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters will also be illuminated red and blue during the evenings for the week. The Thunder Bay Police Service thanks the Mayor and City of Thunder Bay for their continued support and for recognizing Police Week as part of National Police Week across Canada.