Two southern Ontario suspects charged after police respond to home takeover
March 7, 2025
A pair of men from southern Ontario have been arrested after police responded to a home that had been suspected of being taken over to conduct drug trafficking activity.
Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to a James Street North residence at about 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, after receiving a report of a home takeover.
Responding officers located two males attempting to hide within the residence. Both were arrested and taken into custody.
Officers located paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking and a quantity of cash exceeding $10,000.
Ishmael HERRERA, 22, of East York, and Michael SKYE, 19, of Scarborough, are each charged with Being Unlawfully in a Dwelling and Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5,000.
The accused appeared in court on Friday. SKYE has been remanded into custody and HERRERA has been released. Both have future court appearance dates.
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to stay vigilant following reports of people going door-to-door claiming to represent the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has confirmed that they are not conducting any door-to-door canvassing. Residents are urged not to provide money or personal information to anyone visiting your home claiming to be collecting donations for the Salvation Army. Legitimate volunteers with the Salvation Army are collecting donations at retail locations through their Christmas Kettle Campaign. The Canadian Red Cross has confirmed that they had been conducting legitimate door-to-door fundraising. That campaign was scheduled to end today. Residents should note the following identifiers of legitimate Red Cross canvassers: • They wear red vests. • They are knowledgeable about Red Cross programs. • They ask for electronic donations only — no cash or cheques are accepted. • They carry official identification, including a manager’s contact information on the back. Police encourage residents to use caution with any unsolicited door-to-door requests. When in doubt, do not provide payment or personal details. Instead, contact the organization directly through verified phone numbers or websites. Anyone who encounters suspicious canvassers or believes they may have been targeted by a scam should report it to police by calling 807-684-1200.
