News
MEDIA RELEASES
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TB26003763, TB26003756, TB26004039 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing an investigation into criminal harassment. Officers began an investigation into a suspicious vehicle on January 28, 2026, following multiple reports about the vehicle – a silver older model of Dodge Ram pickup truck. A person in the same truck has been seen attempting to pick up females in Thunder Bay’s downtown cores. The driver is described as an Indigenous male, roughly 40-50 years-old, with a heavy build and a shaved head. The Major Crime Unit, Community Oriented Response and Engagement Unit (CORE), and the Break and Enter and Armed Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. Officers with the BEAR Unit located and arrested a suspect in the case on January 30, 2026. The Thunder Bay Police Service is looking for other victims that may have been impacted. A tip line (807) - 701 - 5417 has been established. Those providing information to the tip line must include their name and phone number so investigators can follow up. If you wish to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.
TB26004504 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to the seizure of suspected illegal drugs and charges. Officers with the Intelligence Unit searched a home on Margaret Street on February, 03, 2026, as part of the investigation. During the search suspected cocaine, fentanyl, cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking were seized. Two people in the home were also arrested. As a result of the investigation, 55-year-old Lynda MCCALLUM from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine • Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000 • Failure to comply with release order MCCALLUM remains in custody with a future court date. The second suspect has been released with a future court date and is not being named until their charges are read before the court.
TB26004395 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into a shooting incident has led to charges. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to the Vale Crescent area on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m. Officers located an injured victim who was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the investigation and identified a suspect. Officers with the Major Crime, Break and Enter and Robbery, Emergency Task, and Intelligence Units arrested a youth offender on February 05, 2026 in the Dawson Road area. As a result, a 17-year-old is facing the following charges: • Attempt to commit murder using firearm • Robbery with intent (two counts) • Reckless discharge of a firearm • Knowledge of unauthorized possession of firearm • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to a prohibition order The accused also has additional outstanding warrants with the Thunder Bay Police Service. They remain in custody with a future court date.
TB25047433 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation has led to charges. The Cyber Crime Unit began the investigation on December 3, 2025, after receiving a report. Officers identified a suspect who self-surrendered at the Thunder Bay Police Station on January 20, 2026. As a result of the investigation, 19-year-old Kayden Southerland is facing the following charges: • Sexual Interference • Invitation to Sexual Touching Under 16 Years of Age • Sexual Assault on a Person Under 16 Years of Age • Make Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Person Under 16 Years of Age The accused was remanded into custody after their first court appearance. 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.
TB25008802 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into child sexual abuse and exploitation material (CSAEM) has led to charges. The Cyber Crime Unit began the investigation on March 7, 2025, after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). According to the tip on January 4, 2025 someone uploaded images consistent with the Criminal Code definition of Child Pornography. The investigation led to searches of homes in the Murillo area and Thunder Bay’s south end. Several electronic devices were seized. The suspect self-surrendered on February 4, 2026. As a result of the investigation, 36-year-old Robert SZCZEPANSKI has been charged with: • Access child sexual abuse and exploitation material The accused was released with a future court date. The Thunder Bay Police Service recognizes that parents and caregivers are the frontline when it comes to protecting children on the Internet and electronic devices. We encourage you to remain vigilant in your efforts. Tips for talking to your kids can be found, and reporting of any online exploitation can also be made, at Canada’s National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at cybertip.ca. There are also resources available through the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health for those who have a sexual interest in children. The new Talking for Change (https://talkingforchange.ca/) program is the first of its kind in Canada and provides national and all-ages help for those concerned about their risk to use child sexual exploitation material or offend sexually against a child. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is asked to please contact Detective Constable Brian STEWART at (807) 696-0192. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
TB26004395 A continued police presence is expected in the Vale Crescent and James Street area. The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating a weapons incident that occurred on February 02, 2026, around 10:45 p.m. When officers responded to the area, an injured victim was located and transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided when they become available.
TB26004164 A Thunder Bay resident is facing charges following an 11 hour police standoff on Thunder Bay’s north end. Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to a home on Arundel Street around 2:45 a.m. on February 1, 2026. Officers determined that an individual known to the family had locked themselves in the home and was preventing the residents from entering. The suspect threatened police when they attempted to enter the home. The Emergency Task Unit became involved in the situation. Negotiators attempted to speak with the suspect, but he refused to communicate with them. After determining there were no other occupants in the home, officers entered the residence and were able to locate and arrest the suspect without incident. As a result of the investigation, 31-year-old, Christopher POULIN is facing the following charges: · Unlawfully in Dwelling House · Uttering threats – Cause death or bodily harm · Failure to comply with release order · Fail to comply with probation order (two counts) The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
TB26002366 A Thunder Bay resident is facing an Attempted Murder charge following a weapons incident on the city’s north end. Thunder Bay Police Service officers with the Primary Response Unit attended a business on Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. on January 18, 2026, in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim is in stable condition. The Major Crime Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. On January 25, 2026, officers with the Primary Response Unit located and arrested a suspect. As a result, 40-year-old George PALOSAARI is facing the following charges: • Attempt to Commit Murder using a Restricted Firearm or Prohibited Firearm • Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm • Possession of Prohibited Firearm with Ammo • Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was Prohibited or Restricted Weapon • Firearm – Use while Committing Offence • Careless use of Firearm, Weapon, Prohibited Device or Ammunition The accused remains in custody with a future court date. Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Thunder Bay Police Service at (807) 684-1200. Submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com .
A unique opportunity for admirers of Norval Morrisseau’s artwork will be part of the Thunder Bay Police Service’s first Gala, supported by a donation of limited edition prints from the Estate of world-renowned artist Norval Morrisseau. Two identical pairs of framed prints are now available through an online auction site: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/thunder-bay-police-services-charity-auction The rest of these remarkable works will be auctioned at the Gala, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club. The limited-edition serigraphs, created under the direct supervision of Mr. Morrisseau, showcase his dedication to quality and authenticity. Each print was produced using plates that were destroyed after printing, ensuring their exclusivity. Four of the prints available at the Gala are personally titled and signed by the artist, each accompanied by a signed Certificate of Authenticity, further enhancing their value as rare collectibles. Prints available for auction at the Gala include: • Family (2004): A limited-edition serigraph exploring themes of interconnectedness. • Mother and Child (2004): A celebrated serigraph depicting nurturing spiritual themes. • Gabe (2004): A serigraph featuring Morrisseau’s business manager and adopted son, Gabe Vadas, a significant figure in his later life. • Self-Portrait (2004): A reflective work capturing the artist’s own image, typical of his later years. Additionally, two identical pairs of prints will be available via the Online Auction, entitled “Bird Family” and “Bear Cub Learning from Bird Family.” “We are incredibly thankful and excited that the Estate of Norval Morrisseau has chosen to support the Thunder Bay Police Services Charity Gala in this extraordinary way,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “We are confident that these remarkable works will help raise much-needed funds for Special Olympics Thunder Bay and The Boys and Girls Club.” The Thunder Bay Police Services Charity Gala promises to be an inspiring evening celebrating the men and women of the Service and the community. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to own a piece of Canadian art history while supporting vital local charities. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/thunder-bay-police-services-gala-2026-tickets-1864559741379?aff=oddtdtcreator Follow Thunder Bay Police Service social media channels to stay up to date on the auctions. About Norval Morrisseau: Norval Morrisseau (1932–2007) was a ground-breaking Anishinaabe artist, celebrated for pioneering the Woodland style and profoundly influencing Indigenous art in Canada and internationally. The Estate is deeply thankful for the Thunder Bay Police Services’ role in uncovering, arresting, and securing convictions against those involved in forgery rings that have negatively impacted Morrisseau’s legacy.
TB26001492 A Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into an assault has led to charges. Officers were sent to a home on Lincoln Street in response to reports of an altercation on January 12, 2026. Inside officers located an injured man who was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers’ arrival. Further investigation led to a suspect being identified and they were later located and arrested on January 19, 2026. As a result, 43-year-old Greg MESHAKE from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Aggravated Assault • Failure to Comply with Probation Order The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
Latest Messages From the Chief
I take my responsibility to the community seriously. Asking for a budget increase isn’t easy, and people deserve to understand why it’s needed and what value they get for their tax dollars. For 2026, the Thunder Bay Police Service is requesting a 9.1% net operating budget increase. The bottom line is simple: the community is asking for more police resources, experts agree they’re needed, and the data shows they make a real difference in public safety. Calls for service continue to rise, and the nature of those calls is changing. In 2024, 60% of our calls were high-priority (Priority 1–3), meaning there was an immediate threat to life or serious injury. Nearly one in four calls were Priority 1 — the most serious, often involving weapons. These calls require two or more officers and can tie up resources for hours, which affects response times for other calls. Every call matters, but increasing high-risk calls are putting real pressure on the system. We work closely with more than 30 local partners through the City’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan to prevent crime and support people’s success. Programs like School Resource Officers, the IMPACT mental-health response team, social navigation supports, and youth engagement initiatives help prevent harm, connect people to services, and reduce pressure on the front line. Many are grant-funded, but we need the capacity to sustain and support them. Our budget request reflects what we’re hearing from the community. In the most recent Community Satisfaction Surveys, 88% of respondents said more police presence and faster response times are the most important ways to keep Thunder Bay safe, and crime is the top issue residents want Council to address. An independent staffing review also strongly recommended increasing front-line officers. We’re listening. This budget will increase our deployable workforce — meaning more officers available to respond. This investment helps maintain safe service levels, reduce overtime, and support officer wellness. We also serve up to 30,000 more people than official numbers suggest — which impacts calls, response times, and costs. Even so, our service delivery costs are lower than most peers, and our crime clearance rates exceed provincial and national averages. We use grants, partnerships, special constables, and technology to stay efficient — but efficiency has limits. Minimal increases are no longer sustainable here. That’s why I am requesting a 9.1% increase. I strongly support and applaud City Council’s strategy to boost population and economic growth. To attract residents and businesses, safety must come first. This budget is about keeping pace with community needs, protecting public safety, and continuing to deliver strong, evidence-based results with responsible use of public funds.
Latest The Shift
Multi-unit calls on the rise There has been a steady growth in the number of times multiple officers are needed to respond to a call for service.
