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.

Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

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TB25045371

Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

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TB25045371

Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 17, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.