UPDATE: Police conclude landfill search in relation to homicide investigation

TB25049002, TB25048804, TB25047495, TB25049068 An investigation into multiple break and enters at a local business on the city’s south end has led to charges. On December 16, officers on patrol responded to a report of a break and enter taking place at a business on James Street South around 1:40 a.m. A pedestrian in the area saw two people breaking into a business. Responding officers found that one of the windows of the front door of the business had been broken and merchandise was stolen. The suspects had left prior to police arrival. The Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Further investigation led to two suspects being located and arrested later that same day. The investigation determined that the suspects were involved in a total of four incidents at the same location between December 3, and December 16. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Megan Towedo from Thunder Bay has been charged with: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x4 32-year-old Dakota Sagutch from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges: • Break and Enter x4 • Disguise with intent x3 • Breach of Probation x4 The accused remain in custody with future court dates.

As we enter the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyful time with your families. Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives with us this year—at Chat with the Chief events, the Chamber of Commerce Leaders’ Luncheon, through surveys, and other community engagements. Your input continues to help shape the future of policing in Thunder Bay. Another opportunity to share your voice is now available. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey about the Thunder Bay Police Service is now available. It asks for feedback on policing priorities, reasons crimes may go unreported, respect for the public, and overall service quality. If you see an ad on social media, I encourage you to participate. If not, you can still take part here: https://surveys.zencity.io/thunder-bay-ps/CtAdnO/en?s=sd Last month, we were joined by many community members for the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The initiative began here in 2019, inspired by now retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau and supported by the Thunder Bay Police Association. This year, we were proud to see several police services across Ontario host their own ceremonies for the first time, using the toolkit developed by our team. I also want to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Association members who volunteered to bring the Parade of Lights to our community in support of four important charities. Their dedication reflects the strong commitment our members show on and off duty. Finally, thank you to the City of Thunder Bay for its commitment to improving our headquarters. These upgrades will address long-standing health, safety, space, and technology deficiencies and support modern policing needs. This investment will make a meaningful difference for our members and the community we serve. We have much to look forward to in 2026. I wish you and your families every happiness in the year ahead. Happy holidays, Chief Darcy Fleury