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.

Charges laid following elder abuse investigation

March 16, 2026
TB25005649 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into elder abuse has resulted in charges. The investigation began on February 11, 2025, after the Crimes Against Seniors’ Division received a report about an incident that took place on January 30, 2025 at a long-term care facility in Thunder Bay. An 86-year-old resident sustained injuries while in the care of a staff member. Additional unrelated and unreported injuries were later confirmed. No documentation of the injuries was located by officers. The victim died on March 06, 2025 as a result of the injuries. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigation identified the long-term care facility failed to take the reasonable steps to prevent any serious bodily harm or death to residents and attempted to delay and obstruct a police investigation. As a result of the investigation, Marina GILBERT, 52, of Thunder Bay, has been charged with Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code. Furthermore, Pioneer Ridge Long Term Care Home has also been charged with: • Criminal Negligence Causing Death contrary to section 220 of the Criminal Code • Obstructing Justice contrary to section 139(2) of the Criminal Code The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information - particularly from the period of December 19, 2024 to March 6, 2025 - that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Kevin Middleton at (807) 317-0145. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . For further information and resources to protect against elder abuse, please visit: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/protecting-seniors

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

March 16, 2026
TB26009320 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges and the seizure of suspected illegal drugs. The investigation began on January 12, 2026, in response to reports of suspected drug trafficking. On March 12, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit searched a home in the Algoma Street area. During the search suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, cash, a stun gun and items associated with drug trafficking were seized. As a result of the investigation, 48-year-old Robert NICHOLSON and 40-year-old Courtney VANDENBROEKE, both from Thunder Bay are facing the following charges: • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • 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 a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine • Unauthorized possession of weapon NICHOLSON has also been charged with two failure to comply with a release order charges. Both of the accused were remanded into custody after their first court appearance.

Update - Missing Person - Daniella NEKULIAK, 62

March 14, 2026
TB26009342 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to request the public's assistance in locating missing person, Daniella NEKULIAK, 62. Daniella was last seen on Algoma Street North walking towards Boulevard Lake around 9:30 AM on the morning of Thursday March 12, 2026. She is described as a female, that stands roughly 5'4'’ tall with a medium build. She has medium-length grey hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a grey wool hat, white fleece jacket under a black puffy jacket, black pants, grey gloves, and brown and grey Sorel OUT N ABOUT IV Classic Women's Waterproof Boots with a white outsole. The Thunder Bay Police Service is asking for residents to check their yards, sheds, and vehicles and review any video surveillance for anyone matching her description. Officers are also looking for dashcam footage along Algoma Street North from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, on Thursday March 12, 2026. Residents in the Boulevard Lake area are also asked to remain on the lookout for anyone matching Daniella's description. If a member of the public spots Daniella, they are asked to call 911. To report any other information regarding the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. A heavy police presence continues to be expected in the Red River Road and St Patrick Square area. The Lakehead Search and Rescue Unit and the Ontario Provincial Police are assisting in the ongoing search.