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)
 

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 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.

July 2026

July 22, 2026
In recent weeks, the policing community has been shaken by the deaths of officers in Ontario and Quebec, along with the tragic loss of a constable in training. When officers are victims of violence by criminals, the grief is especially difficult. I encourage our community to think about those who choose to serve, the families who support them, and the commitment they make every day in the interest of public safety. As we continue to honour and remember fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities, we are also reminded of the strength, compassion and generosity that define our own community. I want to extend my sincere thanks to our members and to everyone who supported our toy drive for wildfire evacuees. The level of support shown through these donations demonstrates how powerful kindness can be, and that the people of our community can be counted on to help in a time of need. Many people have lost homes, camps and properties, and many are hurting. Many of us are supporting family, friends, neighbours and community members experiencing those losses. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by the wildfires, and I encourage continued kindness and compassion as we support those who need it most. Darcy Fleury, M.O.M. Chief of Police