Vehicle theft investigation leads to several charges

April 14, 2026

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 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)
 

Police investigating human remains

May 22, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating the discovery of a deceased person. Human remains were located today in the Thunder Centre area. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. There is no threat to public safety. A separate investigation which was reported yesterday regarding a police presence in the same area is ongoing. A visible police presence continues and members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time. Updates may be provided when they become available.

Police presence expected in Intercity area

May 21, 2026
A visible police presence is expected in the Fort William Road and Isabel Street area. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to the area around 4:30 PM on May 21, 2026, in response to a call for service. There is no threat to public safety. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area. No further information is available at this time.

Investigation into distribution of private images without consent and harassment leads to charges

May 20, 2026
TB26016170 A Thunder Bay Police Service Cyber Crime Unit investigation has resulted in multiple charges. The investigation began in May, in response to a report regarding the distribution of private images without consent, and harassment. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Kirsty LENNOX from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Distribute intimate image without consent (three counts) • Criminal harassment – repeatedly communicate (two counts) The accused was released from custody with a future court date. The investigation into the matter remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Joel Manherz at (807) 684-1200 ext. 4115. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.