News
MEDIA RELEASES
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As communities across Canada recognize Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is reminding residents that there is no waiting period to report a missing person. Families are encouraged to contact police immediately if a loved one goes missing or is at risk. The Thunder Bay Police Service investigates all missing person reports. If someone you care about is missing and you are concerned for their safety, please contact the police right away. Delay is one of the most significant factors that can impact the outcome of a missing person investigation. This reminder is especially important as the number of people living with dementia continues to rise. According to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, an estimated 772,000 Canadians are currently living with dementia, with projections suggesting that number could reach nearly 1 million by 2030. In Northern Ontario, where communities have proportionately more older adults and face challenges such as limited access to specialized care, dementia is often underdiagnosed or underreported. Individuals living with dementia may experience confusion, memory loss, anxiety, and disorientation, increasing the risk of becoming lost or wandering even in early stages when they may appear independent. Support is Available: If you or someone you love is experiencing memory loss or symptoms related to dementia, the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay’s First Link® program provides guidance, education, and connection to local supports. Families do not have to navigate this alone. ( https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en/help-support/programs-services/first-linkr ) Prepare & Plan Ahead: Six in ten people living with dementia are at risk of becoming lost. Families can reduce risk and be better prepared by considering steps such as: • Installing door chimes to alert caregivers when doors open • Securing vehicle keys and activating vehicle location services where possible • Knowing what bank cards or funds the person may have access to • Enabling cellphone location sharing, when appropriate • Keeping a current photograph and key details readily available to share with police in an emergency Families may also wish to explore locator devices or technology supports suited to their needs. Identification tools and planning resources are also available through the provincial Finding Your Way® program, which helps families prepare for incidents of going missing and supports safe, independent living for people with dementia. If a person with dementia goes missing — call 911 immediately. Do not assume they will return on their own. Do not feel you are “overreacting.” Weather conditions, traffic, unfamiliar surroundings, and confusion can place a missing person at serious risk. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, the Thunder Bay Police Service joins the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay in recognizing families, caregivers, and everyone impacted by dementia in our community. Together, we can support safety, dignity, and awareness. For more information, resources, and support, please contact the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay or visit their website at https://alzheimer.ca/thunderbay/en . Additional missing person information can be found on the Thunder Bay Police Service Missing Persons Information and Resource Page here: https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/missing-person-resources---advice
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public about a potential tax return scam. Officers have received reports from residents who were contacted by an individual claiming to represent the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). In these reports, a caller tells the person they are owed a tax refund and direct them to log into a website to claim it. The resident is then prompted to enter personal banking information, into a website which is then obtained by the scammer. For further information about various frauds and scams that may be circulating, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or the Canadian Anti Fraud Centre online at: https://antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
The Special Investigations Unit announced it has closed its investigation into an incident involving a Thunder Bay Police Service officer that occurred in September 2025. The SIU found no basis to believe that any officer committed a criminal offence and concluded its investigation. With the conclusion of the SIU investigation, the Thunder Bay Police Service will now commence its required administrative review in accordance with Section 81 of the Community Safety and Policing Act. The purpose of the administrative investigation is to review member conduct, the policing provided, and procedures all as they relate to the incident. This administrative review will be reported to the Thunder Bay Police Service Board upon completion. The Special Investigations Unit media release can be viewed online: https://www.siu.on.ca/siu-concludes-investigation-into-thunder-bay-collision-en10888
TB25035077 Charges have been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) investigation into a hit and run collision. On September 1, 2025 officers responded to a collision at the intersection of May Street North and Finlayson Street. Upon arrival officers located two damaged cars, but only one driver. The other driver had fled the scene. It was determined that the driver that fled the scene failed to pull over for a traffic stop prior to the collision. Further investigation led to the missing driver being located and arrested on December 15, 2025, by the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) with the assistance of TBPS. As a result, 54-year-old Eric LINDSTROM is facing the following charges in relation to the September 01, 2025 collision: • Operation while prohibited • Flight from peace officer • Dangerous operation causing bodily harm • Fail to stop at scene of accident resulting in bodily harm • Obstruct / resist peace officer • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Breach of probation • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (cocaine) • Possession of a Schedule 1 substance (fentanyl) • Breach of Release Order During the Thunder Bay Police Service investigation $10,405.00 in cash was seized along with a 2.24g of fentanyl valued at roughly $560. During the December 15, 2025 arrest, TBPS officers seized an additional $5560.30 in cash along with 263 grams of suspected meth, 41 grams of suspected fentanyl and 11 grams of suspected cocaine leading to several additional charges being laid against Eric LINDSTROM including: • Operation while prohibited • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Meth) for the Purpose of Trafficking • Weapons Dangerous (Pepper Spray) • Breach of Release Order • Fail to Comply with Probation The total street value of the drugs seized during the arrest is $48,170. The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
TB25050184 A visible police presence is expected to continue in the city’s north end. The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate a sudden death on Regent Street which occurred on December 25, 2025. No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they become available. Anyone with any information concerning the case is encouraged to come forward and speak with investigators by calling 807-684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222 8477 or online at www.p3tips.com .
The Thunder Bay Police Service is advising the public that it has received multiple reports of scam calls related to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s (TBRHSF) monthly 50/50 draw. Residents have reported receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to represent the TBRHSF. Callers are telling people they are the 50/50 winner but must pay a fee to collect their prize. For the TBRHSF 50/50 draw, the only purchase required is the ticket itself. You will never be asked to pay a fee to access your winnings. Anyone who receives a suspicious call is encouraged to hang up and report the incident. If you are concerned about potential scams and want to learn more, please visit https://www.thunderbaypolice.ca/safety/fraud-prevention or contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca . To make a fraud/cyber crime online report to the Thunder Bay Police Service, please visit: https://www.services.tryrubicon.com/thunder-bay-police-service/online-reports/report/fraud-cybercrime
TB25050160 A charge has been laid following a Thunder Bay Police Service investigation into an incident at a business of the city’s north end. On December 26, 2025, officers with the Major Crime Unit made an arrest in connection to an incident that took place on December 25, 2025 on Hodder Avenue. Officers were sent to the business just after midnight in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim is currently in stable condition. As a result of the investigation, an individual has been charged with aggravated assault. The accused has been released from custody with a future court date.
TB25050184 The Thunder Bay Police Service is currently investigating a sudden death on the city’s north end. On December 25, 2025 just before 1:00 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call regarding a sudden death on Regent Street. On scene officers located a deceased man. 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. Anyone with any information concerning the case is encouraged to come forward and speak with Investigators by calling 807-684-1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.p3tips.com.
TB25050160 The Thunder Bay Police Service is investigating an incident that resulted in injuries to an adult male in the city’s north end. Officers were sent to a business on Hodder Avenue just after midnight on December 25, 2025, in response to a report of an injured individual. The victim was transported to a local hospital for 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. Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed the incident, is asked to contact investigators at 807 684 1200. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.p3tips.com.
Latest Messages From the Chief

As we enter the holiday season, I extend my warmest wishes for a safe, healthy, and joyful time with your families. Thank you to everyone who shared their perspectives with us this year—at Chat with the Chief events, the Chamber of Commerce Leaders’ Luncheon, through surveys, and other community engagements. Your input continues to help shape the future of policing in Thunder Bay. Another opportunity to share your voice is now available. The Citizen Satisfaction Survey about the Thunder Bay Police Service is now available. It asks for feedback on policing priorities, reasons crimes may go unreported, respect for the public, and overall service quality. If you see an ad on social media, I encourage you to participate. If not, you can still take part here: https://surveys.zencity.io/thunder-bay-ps/CtAdnO/en?s=sd Last month, we were joined by many community members for the Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The initiative began here in 2019, inspired by now retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau and supported by the Thunder Bay Police Association. This year, we were proud to see several police services across Ontario host their own ceremonies for the first time, using the toolkit developed by our team. I also want to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Association members who volunteered to bring the Parade of Lights to our community in support of four important charities. Their dedication reflects the strong commitment our members show on and off duty. Finally, thank you to the City of Thunder Bay for its commitment to improving our headquarters. These upgrades will address long-standing health, safety, space, and technology deficiencies and support modern policing needs. This investment will make a meaningful difference for our members and the community we serve. We have much to look forward to in 2026. I wish you and your families every happiness in the year ahead. Happy holidays, Chief Darcy Fleury



