UPDATE: Police arrest suspect in February vehicle theft

May 2, 2025

Police have arrested a suspect charged with using a weapon to steal a vehicle earlier this year.

Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Memorial Avenue at about 5:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, after receiving reports of a robbery that had occurred.

 

A male suspect approached occupants of a parked vehicle and brandished an apparent firearm before driving away with the vehicle.

 

The vehicle had been observed by responding officers but took off at a high rate of speed. Police did not pursue the vehicle in the interest of public safety. The vehicle was subsequently involved in a collision but fled the scene. The vehicle was later located abandoned.

 

The Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation.

 

The investigation led to a suspect being identified. The suspect was located by BEAR Unit officers on Thursday, May 1, and was arrested.

 

Anthony John CLEMENZA, 25, is charged with the following:

• Robbery with a Firearm

• Disguise with Intent

• Theft of Motor Vehicle

• Flight from Police

• Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

• Failure to Stop after Accident

• Operation of a Motor Vehicle While Prohibited

• Using a Firearm in Commission of Offence

• Careless Use of a Firearm

• Pointing a Firearm x2

• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

• Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm

• Assault

• Uttering Threats

• Failure to Comply with Probation Order

 

CLEMENZA is also charged with Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Offence, Mischief Under $5,000, and Theft Under $5,000 for a separate, nearby incident that took place shortly prior to the vehicle theft.

 

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

August 1, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to provide advice to the public on how to avoid being victimized by fraud. Police are encouraging people to take steps to safeguard their accounts to prevent potential scammers from gaining access. One important way to keep accounts secure is to protect ID and password information. Some recommended best practices include choosing a strong password with a combination of numbers, letters and symbols, and to use unique passwords for financial, email, and social media accounts. As well, it’s important to regularly monitor financial accounts to be able to detect any nefarious activity as quickly as possible and to report any breaches to your financial institution immediately.  The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by fraud. Prevention is the best protection against fraud. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/ ) To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime