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)
 

October 2026

October 9, 2026
Above: In September, the Thunder Bay Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced that joint marine patrols are underway in the Thunder Bay area.

Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit school zone patrol leads to charges

October 8, 2026
TB26040506 A Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit patrol has resulted in a stunt driving charge. On October 7, 2026, an officer was driving in the Rosslyn Road area around 2:30 PM when they located a vehicle travelling 89km per hour in a 40km per hour school zone. The driver was stopped and was charged with: • Speeding (HTA) • Stunt Driving (HTA) The driver is facing a 30-day licence suspension, and their vehicle has been impounded for 14 days. Drivers are reminded to adhere to posted speed limits in school zones and community safety zones. Reduced speeds are in place to protect children who may be walking, cycling, or crossing the roadway during peak travel periods. The Thunder Bay Police Service Traffic Unit remains committed to public safety and will continue proactive enforcement to ensure the protection of students, families, and all road users.

Police presence expected on Thunder Bay’s south end

October 8, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the area of the 600 block of Victoria Avenue East. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area on October 5, 2026, in response to a call for service. The investigation remains ongoing. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available.