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.

December 2025

December 8, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Q. Why are there repeat offenders out committing crimes? A. A new “Bail and Sentencing Reform Act” aims to increase public safety and make it more difficult for people to reoffend. It is under consideration by Parliament. Many people – including police - are frustrated when they see repeat offenders. After police lay charges, release decisions are made by the courts. Police leaders across Ontario, including ours, support bail reform to better address repeat and high-risk offenders. In the meantime, we continue to lay charges, request appropriate release conditions, and work with justice and community partners to help prevent further crime. Q. If police know about a house where drugs are being sold, why can’t they just shut it down? A. Police work hard to address drug-related activity in neighbourhoods. Police need solid, lawful evidence that meets the requirements for warrants and charges that will hold up in court. It helps to get calls from the community about suspected drug activity. Sometimes, even after arrests, drug activity can continue because: New people take over, especially in organized groups. The property can’t be seized even though arrests were made. Landlords must follow their own legal steps. Accused individuals may be released while awaiting trial and return to the same place.

November 2025

December 4, 2025
Collisions – Did you know? The Thunder Bay Collision Reporting Centre is located within the Thunder Bay Police Service station at 1200 Balmoral Street. The collision reporting centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1,535 motor vehicle collisions were reported in the six-month period from January 1 to June 30 of this year. Most collisions: · happened in January · took place on Fridays (the fewest on Sundays) · occurred around 4:00 p.m. · took place when conditions were clear and roads were dry.

Suspect arrested after police respond to weapons call

December 4, 2025
TB25047271 and TB25046469