UPDATE: Standoff suspect now charged with hostage taking

July 18, 2025

TB25026282

A suspect involved in a police standoff earlier this month faces an additional charge.


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.


Thunder Bay Police Service crisis negotiators established communication with the suspect and arranged for the safe release of the hostage, which occurred later that morning. 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) and was taken into Thunder Bay Police Service custody nearly 14 hours after the incident began.


Morris HOGAN, 63, is now charged with Hostage Taking.


The accused was previously 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 appeared in court on Friday to answer to the new charge 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