Two arrested, police seize loaded shotgun

January 24, 2025

Two people face drug and firearm charges after a pair of search warrants were executed.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Intelligence Unit had obtained warrants for a residence and a vehicle as a result of an ongoing investigation into suspected drug trafficking activity.

 

Officers located a male suspect in the 100 block of Shuniah Street shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 23. A search of the suspect and vehicle resulted in the seizure of a quantity of suspected fentanyl, more than $3,300 in cash, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

 

Officers then searched a residence on Sequoia Drive and located a loaded shotgun that had a serial number removed, along with paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

 

A female suspect was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Emerson SPIESS-RUEF, 27, is charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Fentanyl), Possession of Proceeds of Crime under $5,000, Careless Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm.

 

Kyra GOODMAN, 27, is charged with Careless Storage of a Firearm, Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, and Tampering with Serial Number of a Firearm.

 

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

Thunder Bay Police respond to weapons call on city’s north end

January 18, 2026
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.

Drug trafficking investigation leads to charges

January 15, 2026
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.

Police response to weapons call leads to charges

January 13, 2026
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.