UPDATE: Standoff suspect faces robbery, weapons charges

July 7, 2025

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The subject of a nearly 14-hour police standoff has appeared in court and faces several charges.


Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Cumberland Street North at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4, after receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting a weapons incident.


A male suspect had entered the location and brandished an apparent firearm towards three people who were present, demanding that two of the individuals leave while a third remain inside the premises.


Police arrived and contained the scene as a standoff ensued.


Officers established communication with the suspect and arranged for the safe release of the hostage, which occurred shortly after 11:15 a.m. The individual did not sustain any physical injuries.


The standoff continued into the evening. The suspect surrendered to the Ontario Provincial Police's Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) shortly after 10:20 p.m. and was taken into Thunder Bay Police Service custody.


After the conclusion of the incident, the firearm was determined to be a replica.


Morris Wayne HOGAN, 63, is charged with the following:

• Use Firearm in Commission of Offence

• Careless Use of a Firearm

• Pointing a Firearm x3

• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

• Forcible Confinement

• Armed Robbery

• Possession of a Schedule I substance x2

• Possession of a Schedule III substance


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

FRAUD FRIDAY: Online investment scams

August 15, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to raise public awareness of common types of scams that target local residents. Police regularly receive reports of local residents who have fallen victim to internet investment or cryptocurrency fraud. Fraudsters may offer promises of high rates of return on investment. They may advertise fraudulent investment platforms or cryptocurrency exchanges that appear to be legitimate. Instead, these might be schemes to steal money and access the target's personal financial information. It is highly unlikely that lost funds will ever be recovered. Funds can quickly be transferred through multiple platforms based in several different countries and are extremely difficult for law enforcement to trace. The Thunder Bay Police Service’s Economic Crime Unit urges residents to do their due diligence before engaging in any online investment, including seeking credible financial advice and using reputable platforms. Residents are also encouraged to speak to family members and friends who may be vulnerable to being targeted by these types of scams. 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

Suspect faces multiple robbery charges

August 15, 2025
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Police caution drivers to have proper, visible licence plates displayed

August 14, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding motorists of the requirement to have two clearly visible licence plates affixed to their vehicles. The Thunder Bay Police Service utilizes Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology, which alerts officers with notifications for vehicles being sought as part of an investigation, or for vehicles with a registered owner subject to a driving prohibition or driver's licence suspension. Having licence plates with obstructed visibility, or not being properly displayed, interferes with both the effectiveness of this technology as well as the ability for officers to visually identify a vehicle of interest. Under the Highway Traffic Act, a licence plate that is not plainly visible is a chargeable offence and carries a fine of up to $110. This includes having a licence plate where the view is blocked by equipment like a spare tire or bumper bar, a tinted cover, covered in dirt, or has missing or faded characters. As well, most vehicles are required to display both front and rear licence plates. Failure to do is also a Highway Traffic Act infraction, with a set fine of $85. Displaying an incorrect licence plate is also subject to a fine under the Highway Traffic Act.