Warrant leads to seizure of drugs, gun

January 3, 2025

Five people have been charged after police seized drugs and a loaded handgun following a search of a south side residence.

Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Intelligence Unit and Emergency Task Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1000 block of Donald Street East on the afternoon of Thursday, January 3.

 

Police seized quantities of suspected cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. The estimated street value of the seized drugs exceeds $120,000. Officers also seized a firearm, cash totalling more than $13,000 and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.

 

Michelle BENOIT, 39, of Thunder Bay; Delmar FLETCHER, 19, of Scarborough; Trevor HOFFMANN, 21, of Scarborough, a 17-year-old from Bradford, and a 15-year-old from Toronto are charged with the following:

 

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)

• Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (fentanyl)

• Possession of Proceeds of Crime over $5,000

• Careless Storage of a Firearm

• Possession of Loaded Prohibited Firearm

• Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

• Unauthorized Possession of Weapon

• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm

 

BENOIT is also charged with Breach of Judicial Release Order. The 15-year-old is also charged with Possession of Prohibited Firearm Contrary to Order x2, Breach of Judicial Release Order, Breach of Peace Bond, and Breach of Probation x2. The 17-year-old is also charged with Breach of Peace Bond x2.

 

The accused appeared in court on Friday.

 

The investigation remains ongoing.

Fraud Friday: ATM cash-trapping scams

August 21, 2026
The Thunder Bay Police Service is reminding residents to be cautious when using automated teller machines (ATMs) following reports of a cash-trapping scam in other communities. No cases of this type have been reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service at this time. This advisory is being shared to help the public recognize the potential risk and take precautions. In a cash-trapping scam, a device is placed over or inside an ATM’s cash dispenser. The machine may appear to complete the withdrawal, but the cash is held by the device. A fraudster can then return and collect it after the customer leaves. Protect yourself: • Check the ATM for loose parts, unusual attachments, or signs of tampering. • Use ATMs in well-lit, high-traffic locations whenever possible. • If cash is not dispensed, do not leave immediately. Contact your financial institution using a trusted number and report the problem to the ATM operator. • Review your account and promptly report any transaction you do not recognize. If an ATM appears to have been tampered with, do not use it. Report suspicious activity to the Thunder Bay Police Service. If you have lost money or disclosed banking 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 investigation into stolen vehicle leads to charges

August 20, 2026
TB26031063 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into the theft of a stolen motor vehicle has led to charges. On August 8, 2026, officers received a report regarding the theft of a vehicle from a business in the Central Avenue area on August 6, 2026. A review of video footage led to a suspect being identified. Officers located and arrested the suspect in the Ogden Street area on August 8, 2026. A search of the Rowand Street area that same day led to the stolen vehicle being located. As a result of the investigation, 32-year-old Selena SIMMONS from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Theft of motor vehicle • Dangerous operation • Fail to comply with probation order The accused was remanded into custody following their first court appearance with a future court date.

Major Crime Unit investigation leads to manslaughter charges

August 19, 2026
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