Toronto teens arrested; handgun and fentanyl seized

April 3, 2025

Two southern Ontario youth face multiple weapons and drug charges after being arrested.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit were dispatched to the 1100 block of Donald Street East on the afternoon of Wednesday, April 2, after receiving reports that two individuals were unwanted in a residence and refusing to leave.

 

Responding officers received information that the suspects were in possession of drugs and a firearm.

 

Officers with Primary Response, the Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit, the Intelligence Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit were also involved in the response.

 

One suspect was observed leaving the residence and attempted to flee before being arrested after a brief foot chase. A second individual was located within the residence and was arrested.

 

A loaded handgun was located within the residence. Officers also seized quantities of suspected fentanyl and cocaine, along with cash.

 

A 15-year-old male from Toronto and a 14-year-old male from Toronto are charged with the following:

•             Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Unauthorized Possession of a Weapon

•             Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm

•             Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

•             Possession of a Firearm Obtained by Crime

•             Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl)

•             Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)

•             Unlawfully in a Dwelling

 

The identities of the accused cannot be disclosed in accordance with the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

 

The accused appeared in court on Thursday and have been remanded into custody with a future appearance date.

Missing Person: Leanne BARKMAN, 33

June 29, 2026
TB26024976 The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 33-year-old Leanne BARKMAN. BARKMAN is described as an Indigenous female standing 5’ 4”, weighing roughly 160 lbs, with shoulder-length straight brown hair with blonde highlights, and brown eyes. Leanne usually wears black sunglasses. She was last seen wearing black shorts, a light grey tank top, and black short boots with heels. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com .

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation leads to aggravated assault charges

June 26, 2026
A Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response Unit investigation has resulted in aggravated assault charges. On June 24, 2026, officers responded to the Bay Street area in response to a report regarding an assault. On scene an injured male was located and transported to a local hospital for treatment. Further investigation led to two suspects being identified, located, and arrested. As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Biaggio DONOVAN from Thunder Bay and 32-year-old Marissa DOKUCHIE from Thunder Bay have both been charged with aggravated assault. DONOVAN is also facing a fail to comply with probation order charge. Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance. 

Thunder Bay Police Service announces the extension of Project Support

June 26, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is announcing the extension of Project Support: A Downtown Core Stabilization Initiative. The pilot project, being led by the Thunder Bay Police Service Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit (ETU) is aimed at addressing public safety in the city’s downtown cores. The project was set to operate for 60 days from April 20, 2026, to June 19, 2026. The extension will keep the project running until September 1, 2026. The initiative is aimed at connecting those in need to services. During patrols, the first step of contact is with a TBPS Social Navigator offering referrals to appropriate services like social services, or addiction supports. If an individual declines to be referred but continues to participate in unlawful, or disruptive activities like illicit drug use, then officers will proceed with enforcement. From April 20 through the end of May, Project Support has recorded: • 1,485 community contacts • 113 referrals generated, 53 accepted • 25 warrants executed during downtown patrols Throughout the pilot project, downtown core businesses have provided feedback on the initiative. As Project Support continues, patrols will continue to be focused on the following areas: • Red River Road • Cumberland Street • Court Street • Algoma Street • May Street • Victoriaville area Priority areas within the patrol zones will include: • Transit stops • BIA storefronts • Public plazas • Parking areas • Commercial areas • Pedestrian walking areas • Public gathering areas The initiative aims to: • Prioritize service connections for people experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or housing instability • Improve public safety and restore order in shared public spaces • Reduce visible disorder and open drug use in downtown cores • Strengthen collaboration with social service and community partners • Ensure consistent, lawful, and proportionate enforcement Following the completion of the Project, TBPS will conduct a formal evaluation and will make a determination regarding continuation into the fall.