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MEDIA RELEASES
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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.

TB25050666 The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) is continuing its investigation into a robbery on Thunder Bay’s north end. Just after noon on December 30, 2025, officers received a report of a robbery taking place at a business on Cumberland Street South. Once on scene officers spoke to staff and determined there were no injuries, and that the suspect had left the scene. TBPS Break Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit became involved in the ongoing investigation. The Thunder Bay Police Service is seeking the public's assistance in locating a suspect associated with the case: 64-year-old Anthony Patrick FRIZZELL. If observed please do not approach and call 911. 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, online at www.p3tips.com . No further information is available at this time.
TB25040750 A Thunder Bay resident is facing an upgraded charge following the death of an assault victim. Officers were sent to the Red River Road and Clarkson Avenue area on October 11, 2025, in response to an assault. An 85-year-old male was located with serious injuries. Drew MITCHELL, was charged with attempt to commit murder on October 14, 2025 following an investigation into the situation. Hendrick Walinga the victim, has since passed due to the injuries. As a result, the accused Drew MITCHELL charge was upgraded to First-Degree Murder on January 19, 2026. The accused remains in custody with a future court date.
TB26002366 The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to investigate following a weapons incident that occurred on the morning of January 18, 2026. Officers with the Primary Response Unit were sent to Memorial Avenue, around 2:00 a.m. in response to an individual who had been located with injuries. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The Major Crime Unit is involved in the ongoing investigation. A visible police presence is expected in the 10th Avenue area.
TB26001908 A Thunder Bay Police Service drug trafficking investigation has led to charges. On January 14, 2026, Intelligence Unit officers executed a search warrant at a home on Machar Avenue. During the search suspected illegal drugs including cocaine and fentanyl were seized, along with cash, and other items associated with drug trafficking. As a result of the investigation 25-year-old Levi BELL, 37-year-old Samantha BENNETT-DOLPH, 50-year-old Devon BOND, 34-year-old Linda LEDGER, 48-year-old Kelsey TENHUNEN, 33-year-old Wayne WOODBECK, and 38-year-old Dustin WOODBECK, all from Thunder Bay, are facing the following charges: • Possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine • Possession for purpose of trafficking fentanyl • Proceeds of crime over $5,000 Wayne WOODBECK and Levi BELL have also been charged with breach of probation. Total street value of drugs seized is roughly $6,500. BENNETT-DOLPH, and BOND have been released from custody with a future court date. The remaining accused remain in custody with a future court date.
TB25050587 One person is facing charges following a police response to a weapons call. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were sent to a home on Blucher Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on December 29, 2025, in response to reports of an altercation. Officers arrived and contained the scene. Two residents of the home were present, but the suspect had left the scene. Another call for service came in from a separate residence on Blucher Avenue while officers were speaking with the two residents. Officers were able to confirm the presence of the suspect in the second residence. Members of the Primary Response Unit and the Emergency Task Unit were able to safely arrest the suspect a short time later. As a result of the investigation, 27-year-old Bryson Matinet from Thunder Bay is facing the following charges: • Assault (two counts) • Assault with a weapon • Uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm (two counts) • Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose • Pointing a firearm • Disobeying an order of court • Unauthorized possession of a firearm The accused was held in custody for a future court date.
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
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.



