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.
TB26004395 A continued police presence is expected in the Vale Crescent and James Street area. The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a weapons incident that occurred on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m. When officers responded to the area, an injured victim was located and transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.
TB26004164 A Thunder Bay resident is facing charges following an 11 hour police standoff on Thunder Bay’s north end. Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to a home on Arundel Street around 2:45 a.m. on February 1, 2026. Officers determined that an individual known to the family had locked themselves in the home and was preventing the residents from entering. The suspect threatened police when they attempted to enter the home. The Emergency Task Unit became involved in the situation. Negotiators attempted to speak with the suspect, but he refused to communicate with them. After determining there were no other occupants in the home, officers entered the residence and were able to locate and arrest the suspect without incident. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old, Christopher POULIN is facing the following charges: · Unlawfully in Dwelling House · Uttering threats – Cause death or bodily harm · Failure to comply with release order · Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
TB26002366 A Thunder Bay resident is facing an Attempted Murder charge following a weapons incident on the city’s north end. Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit attended a business on Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026, in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim is in stable condition. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. On January 25, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located and arrested a suspect. As a result, 40-year-old George PALOSAARI is facing the following charges: • Attempt to Commit Murder using a Restricted Firearm or Prohibited Firearm • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm • Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammo • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was Prohibited or Restricted Weapon • Firearm – Use while Committing Offence • Careless use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition The accused remains in custody with a future court date. Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .
