Police are requesting public assistance as they continue to seek potential victims connected to incidents in which seniors or persons with disabilities were intentionally targeted because of their vulnerabilities.
The Thunder Bay Police Service first became aware of such an incident on Feb. 1, 2021. On that date, members of TBPS’s Uniform Patrol Branch were dispatched to a residential address in the 100 black of Cumberland Street South following reports of a robbery.
Police learned a female accused had knocked on the victim’s door. When the victim answered the door, the accused pushed past them and entered the home. Once inside, the accused took an undisclosed amount of cash then fled.
The victim has an intellectual disability and was known to the accused.
On March 7, 2021, the accused reattended the victims address in an attempt to obtain more money from the victim. During this incident, the victim immediately called police. When police arrived on scene, the accused had fled, but a search of the area led to her location and arrest.
Through an ongoing investigation by members of the Uniform Patrol Branch, with assistance from the Crimes Against Seniors Division, police learned the homeowner had been victimized on other occasions.
Investigators now suspect there could be other victims who were also targeted because of their vulnerabilities.
Kimberly KLASSEN, 45, of Thunder Bay is charged with Robbery With Violence, and Being Unlawfully in a Dwelling. She has been released from custody with a future appearance date of April 13, 2021.
The investigation remains ongoing.
If you have any information about people taking advantage of seniors or other vulnerable people please call police at 684-1200 or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.