Update: Suspect charged in serious assault

October 15, 2025

TB25040750

A Thunder Bay man faces a charge of attempted murder following a serious and apparent random incident that took place at the corner of Red River Road and Clarkson Avenue on the evening of Saturday, October 11.

 

An 85-year old male was assaulted and sustained serious injuries. Hendrick Walinga remains in hospital after undergoing extensive surgery. 

 

The suspect left the scene before police arrived. Drones and the K-9 unit were deployed, but the suspect was not located. Video of the suspect was released, resulting in members of the public assisting to identify the suspect. 


On Monday, October 13, the Break, Enter and Robbery Unit (BEAR) arrested Drew Mitchell of Thunder Bay. 


The accused appeared in court on October 14 and was remanded to custody.

Update: Thunder Bay Police Service locate prisoner escapee from local correctional facility

July 25, 2026
TB26029085 The Thunder Bay Police Service has located an escapee from the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre. The investigation began on July 24, 2026, following a report from the Correctional Centre. Officers located and arrested the wanted individual around 1:30 AM on July 25, 2026. The Ontario Provincial Police assisted with the investigation. No further information is available at this time.

Intelligence Unit investigation leads to multiple charges

July 23, 2026
TB26028760 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit with the assistance of the Emergency Task Unit and Break, Enter, and Robbery (BEAR) Unit searched a home in the Cameron Street and May Street North area on July 22, 2026. During the search two suspects were located within the home and were arrested. Over $5,000 in Canadian cash, suspected cocaine and oxycodone were also seized. As a result of the investigation, 22-year-old Omar HAJI from Toronto, Ontario and 49-year-old Chris Robert MORIN from Thunder Bay are both facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime over $5,000 Both of the accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.

Thunder Bay Police Service assault investigation leads to charges

July 22, 2026
TB26027236 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has resulted in charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were dispatched to the Howe Street and Cumberland Street North area on July 12, 2026, around 6:30 PM in response to a weapons related call for service. On scene, a victim was located with minor injuries. A search of the area led to a suspect being located and arrested. As a result of the investigation 23-year-old Cadence KAKEPETUM of Shuniah is facing the following charges: • Assault with a weapon • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.