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 investigation leads to charges

June 1, 2026
TB26020163 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple assaults has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit responded to reports of an assault in the Red River Road area, on May 29, 2026, just after 1:00 PM with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit which was on patrol as part of Project Support. On scene officers located an individual with injuries consistent with a stabbing. The individual attended a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. Officers were able to identify, locate, and arrest a suspect nearby. Further investigation led to additional victims being identified. No additional injuries were reported. As a result of this investigation, 54-year-old Stephane ST-CYR of Quebec is facing the following charges: • Aggravated assault • Assault with a weapon (two counts) • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Update: Missing Person — Richard GRAHAM

May 28, 2026
TB24032007 Richard GRAHAM is no longer the subject of a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) missing person investigation. This is now a private family matter. The family has granted permission for TBPS to disclose that Richard was located deceased. Please remove his name and images from websites and social media pages. The family wants to extend their appreciation to everyone who was involved in the search efforts. No further information will be released at this time.

Statement from the Chief of Police

May 28, 2026
Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones facing the uncertainty and heartbreak of a missing persons investigation. I also recognize and sincerely appreciate the efforts of Indigenous searchers, community members, volunteers, Elders, and partner organizations who dedicated significant time and care to supporting recent searches. Recent comments made by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Fiddler do not accurately reflect the Thunder Bay Police Service’s efforts or commitment. Our priority remains, and always will be, to locate missing persons and provide answers to families. Our members work diligently—both on the front lines and behind the scenes—and we are grateful for the acknowledgments received from families directly involved. Investigators have been in regular communication with families throughout recent investigations, including multiple updates on a daily basis where appropriate. Families may choose whether or not to include NAN in those discussions. TBPS members hold and value positive relationships with Indigenous leaders and community members, including with employees and program coordinators working for NAN. It is unfortunate the recent comments do not reflect this. While we respect the role of NAN leadership in advocating for its members, inaccurate or incomplete information can undermine trust and impact the willingness of individuals to come forward with information. Some investigations remain ongoing, and information from the community continues to be critical to bring resolution to families. I urge anyone with information—no matter how small—to come forward. I also encourage NAN members in Thunder Bay to continue to contact police when they need assistance, wish to report someone missing, or have information to share. Similarly, MPP Sol Mamakwa’s recent statement at Queen’s Park is misled. The true crisis has long been identified: a serious shortage of social supports, housing, addictions and mental health services, and prevention initiatives that help address the root causes that place vulnerable people at risk. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort with community partners working collaboratively.  Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police Thunder Bay Police Service