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

Investigation into multi-vehicle collision leads to charges

February 19, 2026
TB26006283 A multi-vehicle collision in Thunder Bay has led to charges. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit were on patrol in the Arthur Street area on February 16, 2026, when they observed a pickup truck driving at over 100 kilometres per hour in a residential area. Officers observed the vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the sidewalk along Empire Avenue, striking at least eight vehicles, multiple fences, trees, shrubs, and a fire hydrant. The vehicle came to a stop after colliding with a snowbank and a sign. The Traffic Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. As a result of the investigation, 18-year-old Michael WOODS JR, is facing the following charges under the Highway Traffic Act, Cannabis Control Act, and Criminal Code of Canada: • Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs • Dangerous operation • Flight from peace officer • Drive motor vehicle – perform stunt • Disobey stop sign – fail to stop (three counts) • Fail to surrender insurance card • Driver fail to surrender licence • Fail to surrender permit for motor vehicle • Person under 19 years – possess cannabis • Fail to notify change of address • Drive vehicle or boat with cannabis readily available • Class G1 license holder – unaccompanied by qualified driver The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.

February 2026

February 18, 2026
Online Reporting: freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents Since launching a new online reporting service last February, the Thunder Bay Police Service has become a national leader in the use of the technology. The reporting platform allows more types of non-emergency incidents to be reported online from anywhere, while making it easier for users to upload photos or videos as evidence. The system redirects thousands of calls away from frontline response, freeing officers to focus on urgent incidents. 677 online reports were submitted in January, 2026. “This is a good example of one of the many ways we enhance efficiency,” noted Chief Darcy Fleury. “The community has access to a convenient reporting tool, and officers can focus on priority responses.” People can use the online portal to report theft, vandalism, fraud, traffic violations, and missing identification. The platform also allows people to have links to specific report types sent directly to them by text message. Users receive a confirmation once the report has been submitted and can choose to receive updates on the status of their report. Daniyar Akhmedjanov, Co-founder of Rubicon - the online reporting platform – was recently in Thunder Bay to see how our team members have grown the system. “TBPS has built one of the most developed virtual/alternate response operations in the country – so we came to learn from the best (and bring those lessons back to other agencies),” he said. 

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

February 17, 2026
TB26006264 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into drug trafficking has led to multiple arrests and charges. On February 17, 2026 officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Golf Links Road. During the search, three individuals in the home were arrested, and suspected cocaine, fentanyl, a loaded handgun, and more than $19,000 in cash were seized. Over 3.36 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 285 grams of suspected fentanyl were seized. The estimated street value of the drugs is over $488,000. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Christie REID from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon Justin SKINNER a 48-year-old of Thunder Bay, is also facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (five counts) Jaylon VIKER a 23-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Unlawfully in dwelling house • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – opioid • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Careless storage of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm • Possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm • Unauthorized possession of weapon • Failure to comply with release order All of the accused remain in custody with a future court date.