Vehicle theft investigation leads to several charges

April 14, 2026

Update: TB26013520, TB26013636, TB26013331, TB26013233, TB26013087, TB26012596, TB26013449, TB26012768, TB26008439, TB26600553, TB25600502



 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into multiple vehicle thefts has led to charges.
 
Officers with the Primary Response Unit began the investigation on March 5, 2026, in response to encountering a stolen vehicle.
 
Two suspects in the case fled from officers on more than one occasion during the investigation.
 
Through the investigation, two suspects connected to the vehicle thefts were identified.
 
On April 13, 2026, officers located and arrested a suspect.
 
As a result of the investigation, 35-year-old Jeffrey BARNWELL from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges:
 
• Dangerous operation (four counts) 
• Flight from peace officer (four counts) 
• Operation while prohibited (four counts) 
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 
• Theft of motor vehicle (two counts) 
• Fraud under $5,000 
• Theft under $5,000 (three counts) 
• Failure to comply with probation order (four counts) 
• Failure to comply with release order 
• Disobey court order 
• Cause disturbance 
• Assault with a weapon 
• Mischief under $5,000
 
Some of the accused’s charges relate to outstanding warrants.
 
On April 14, 2026, following a police standoff in the Bay Street and Cornwall Avenue area, officers arrested a second suspect.
 
As a result, Bradley TOMECK a 36-year-old from Thunder Bay is also facing the following charges:

• Theft of motor vehicle (two counts)

• Fail to comply with probation order (five counts)

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 (three counts)

• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

• Dangerous operation

• Use of credit card

• Operation while prohibited under the criminal code (16 counts)
 

Missing Person: Ivory PANACHEESE, 24

August 29, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance in locating 24-year-old Ivory PANACHEESE. PANACHEESE is described as an Indigenous female standing approximately 5’10” weighing roughly 140 lbs, with shoulder-length blonde hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo of the letter R near her left eye.  If you have any information about the whereabouts of this missing person, please contact police at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.

Fraud Friday: AI generated scam videos

August 28, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents to be cautious when viewing online videos and advertisements that promote investment opportunities, cryptocurrency purchases, or quick‑profit schemes. TBPS has received reports regarding this type of scam before. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. Fraudsters are increasingly using AI‑generated videos to make their scams appear legitimate. These videos may feature fabricated spokespeople, altered public figures, or realistic‑looking presenters encouraging viewers to invest or send money. AI‑generated content can be difficult to spot, but there are common red flags. Protect yourself: • Inconsistencies with speech and mouth movements, or a speaker who appears unnaturally still. • Inconsistencies in lighting. • Eyes that lack vibrancy or appear unnatural. • Blurred edges, angles, or facial features, including “face wobble.” • Unnatural eye direction or blinking. • Missing facial features or missing details in glasses, hair, or teeth. • Overly smooth skin. • Misalignment in facial symmetry or features that do not match (for example, ears that differ noticeably). Verify any offers by contacting the company directly using a trusted source of information. If a video or advertisement seems suspicious, do not engage with it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service.  If you have lost money or disclosed personal or financial information, contact your financial institution immediately and report the incident to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre ( https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm ).

Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation leads to charges

August 27, 2026
TB26004555 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in charges. The investigation began in February 2026, in response to a report of an individual possessing and attempting to access Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) through the Bing search engine. In July a home was searched on Thunder Bay’s south end leading to the seizure of 10 electronic devices. On August 26, 2026, a suspect turned themselves in to the Thunder Bay Police Service Station. As a result of the investigation, 40-year-old Blair O’CONNOR from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Access any child sexual abuse and exploitation material • Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released from custody following their first court appearance with a future court date. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com . The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts – the safety tips outlined below are recommended for children of any age. Reporting of any online exploitation can also be made at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change ( https://talkingforchange.ca/ ) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child.