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.

October 28, 2025
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October 27, 2025
Over the past few months, there has been a meaningful shift in how the community sees the work we do. While our commitment to public safety has never changed, it's encouraging to see people recognizing and supporting it. From the comments shared at Chat with the Chief events in the community, to the encouraging response to our planned Thunder Bay Police Service Gala, it’s clear that people want to be part of something positive. They recognize the dedication of our officers and the important role policing plays in keeping our community safe. At recent “Chat with the Chief” events, I’ve had the opportunity to hear directly from many of you. Residents have expressed a desire to see more officers in the community. We share that goal. While we continue to work toward increasing our presence, our current focus remains on addressing Drugs, Guns, and Gangs—a critical priority, given how deeply interconnected these issues are and the harm they cause in communities. While our role is to enforce the law, lasting community safety involves more than police presence alone. We know that community organizations and service providers play a vital role in helping people live healthy, productive lives and reducing the need for police intervention. By addressing the root causes of crime and crisis—through prevention, support, and connection—these partners provide critical services and alternative response models that contribute to a safer, healthier city. That’s why I’m proud to be participating in Thunder Bay’s first Community Safety & Well-Being (CSWB) Forum—a free event where residents, service providers, and community leaders will come together to talk about what it truly means to build a safer, stronger Thunder Bay. The Forum is a chance to share ideas, hear diverse perspectives, and help shape the refreshed CSWB Plan for 2026–2030—a community roadmap grounded in prevention, connection, and support, so everyone can live well, feel safe, and thrive. It will be held Thursday, November 13 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.  Everyone is welcome. I look forward to continuing this important conversation with all of you.
October 23, 2025
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