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 be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm).
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.
