Category: Thunder Bay

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Six individuals are facing multiple charges following a three-week long investigation that led to the seizure of suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.

Between April 21, 2025, and May 9, 2025 members of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) with support from the OPP Canine Unit, OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, and Thunder Bay Police Service Canine Unit investigated incidents of drug trafficking throughout Northwestern Ontario.

During the investigation and during the execution of two search warrants at residences in the City of Thunder Bay, officers seized suspected cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, Percocet pills and illicit cannabis.

As a result of the investigation, six people have been charged and face numerous charges under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and Cannabis Act.

Maurice BARTLEY, 57-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 9, 2025.

Steve GROOMBRIDGE, 42-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid
  • Possession Property Obtained by Crime Under $5,000

The accused was remanded into custody.

Lennox MATTINAS, 48-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Opioid

The accused was remanded into custody

Jasen Dowhaniuk, 43-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession for the purpose of distributing

The accused will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on July 30, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

Alleysha Henry, 27-years-old of Thunder Bay has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of Trafficking – Cocaine

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder on June 5, 2025 to answer to the above charge.

Leah NEWMAN, 49-years-old of Langley, BC has been charged with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – other drugs

The accused was released from custody and will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 4, 2025 to answer to the above charges.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or the trafficking of illicit substances is urged to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

One Dead – Dharmpal SINGH Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has laid charges following a fatal collision that occurred on January 24, 2024.

On January 24, 2024, shortly after 11:00 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment, the North West Region T.I.M.E. Team (Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement) along with Emergency Medical Services, responded to a collision on Highway 17 in Upsala. One individual was pronounced deceased, and two individuals were injured and taken to a local hospital.

As a result of the investigation, Dharmpal SINGH, 30-years-old of Abbotsford, British Columbia, has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

·        Dangerous operation causing death

·        Dangerous operation causing bodily harm

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on May 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and is a key component of the OPP’s public safety mandate. Investigations resulting in the loss of life and serious injuries can be complex to investigate. As the vast majority of fatal collisions are preventable, thorough and accurate investigations help ensure that motorists who cause these collisions are held accountable for their driving behaviours. The victims and their families deserve no less.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Another Police Officer Arrested #FilmThePolice #FTP

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has charged a member with the Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) in relation to an on-duty incident.

On Thursday, February 29, 2024, a TBPS vehicle was involved in a two-vehicle collision in the City of Thunder Bay. On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the OPP was requested by the TBPS to investigate the incident.

On Monday, April 28, 2025, as a result of the investigation, Peter HAASE, age 37 of Thunder Bay, was charged with dangerous operation contrary to section 320.13(1) of the Criminal Code.

The accused is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on May 28, 2025.

Questions related to the employment status of the accused should be directed to the TBPS.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

$77,000 Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Three individuals have been arrested and charged following a drug investigation within Northwest region.

On March 25th, 2025, members of the Thunder Bay Community Street Crime Unit, assisted by the Bail Support Team, and Thunder Bay OPP Detachment arrested three individuals at a hotel in Thunder Bay. The arrests were the result of an ongoing drug investigation within Northwest region.

As a result of a search in the investigation, officers seized the following items:

·      450 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine

·      67 grams of suspected cocaine

·      58 grams of suspected Fentanyl

·      34 suspected hydromorphone pills

·      95 suspected Oxycodone pills

·      A Glock .45 calibre handgun with ammunition

·      Indicia of drug trafficking

The approximate street value of the seized drugs in the Northwest region is $77,000.

Louis MALETTE 45-years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – hydromorphone

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

·      Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, or prohibited device or ammunition

·      Unauthorized possession of a firearm or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammo

·      Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to Prohibition Order

Ashley WALLICK 40-years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – hydromorphone

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

·      Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, or prohibited device or ammunition

·      Unauthorized possession of a firearm or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammo

Eugene WANAKAMIK 38-years old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been arrested and charged under Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with the following offences:

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine

·      Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking – hydromorphone

·      Possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000

·      Possession of a prohibited device or ammunition

·      Careless storage of a firearm, weapon, or prohibited device or ammunition

·      Unauthorized possession of a firearm or restricted firearm

·      Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm or ammo

All accused parties were held for bail and remanded to the Thunder Bay District Jail and Correctional Center. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay at a later date.

Anyone with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or provide information anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers tips can also be submitted on-line at www.tipshelp.com.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Fatal Collision

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – The Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision.

On the 24th of March 2025, shortly after 7:30 p.m., officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on Highway 11/17 at Sistonen’s Corners.

As a result, one person has been pronounced deceased on scene.

The OPP North West Region Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team and OPP Collision Re-Constructionists are assisting in the investigation. Highway 11/17 will remain closed between highway 130 and highway 102 during this time, follow Ontario 511 for any updates on road closures.

Traffic safety remains a top priority of the OPP and is a key component of the OPP’s public safety mandate. Investigations resulting in the loss of life and serious injuries can be complex to investigate. As the vast majority of collisions are preventable, thorough and accurate investigations help ensure that motorists who cause these collisions are held accountable for their driving behaviours. The victims and their families deserve no less. 

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Sexual Assault Causing Bodily Harm – George SPADE Arrested

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Members of the Thunder Bay Crime Unit of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began an investigation into an allegation of a sexual assault that occurred in Collins First Nation between 1978 and 1988.

As a result of this investigation, George SPADE, 61-years-old of Thunder Bay, Ontario was arrested and charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

·       Gross Indecency

·       Indecent Assault on Female

·       Sexual Assault

·       Sexual Assault cause bodily harm

Police are requesting anyone who may have additional information or believes that they were a victim of a similar circumstance to contact the Thunder Bay OPP Detachment at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Victims of sexual assault are not alone. If you need support or know someone that does, there are local resources here to help. You can visit the Victim Services of Thunder Bay and Area website at www.tbayvictimservices.ca for assistance. If you are in an immediate crisis, call 9-1-1.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Drug Bust – Names Released

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – Two people are facing multiple charges after a two-month drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Thunder Bay Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) of the Ontario Provincial Police.

On March 5, 2025, members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) with the assistance of the Nishnawbe-Aski Police Intelligence Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in the City of Thunder Bay.  

Police seized suspected cocaine, oxycodone, methamphetamine, MDMA, hydromorphone, clonazepam, morphine, buprenorphine, methylphenidate, diazepam and Canadian Currency. The approximate street value of the drugs seized is $32,000.00.

As a result of the investigation the following individuals have been charged:

Daniel HERNESHUHTA, 33-years-old of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been charged under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Opioid x3
  • Possession of a Schedule IV Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5000 – In Canada
  • Failure to Comply with Release order x4
  • Possession of an identity document

The accused was held for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody.

Cody DEGAGNE-LUSIGNAN, 31-years-old of Atikokan, Ontario has been charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act with:

  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Methamphetamine
  • Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the purpose of trafficking – Other Drug

The accused was released and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on the 16th of April 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Any person with information regarding the illegal possession and trafficking of drugs should immediately contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Jason SAMPLE Facing Drug & Weapons Charges

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A Thunder Bay resident is facing 14 charges under the Criminal Code (CC) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), including charges relating to possession of a loaded firearm with an altered serial number.

In January 2025, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-led Provincial Guns and Gangs Enforcement Team (PGNG) began an investigation into drug trafficking activity in Thunder Bay. On February 4, 2025, members from PGNG including the OPP, Nishnawbe Aski Police Service (NAPS) and Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) as well as the Thunder Bay OPP and the OPP Community Street Crime Unit in Thunder Bay, arrested an individual suspected of drug trafficking at a location on Arthur Street West. The individual attempted to resist arrest but was apprehended without further incident. The accused had two outstanding warrants issued by the OPP and TBPS for several previous offences.

A search of personal items of the accused led to the seizure of the following:

  •         A loaded firearm with an altered serial number
  •         Approximately 11 grams of suspected cocaine
  •         Approximately 7 grams of suspected crack cocaine
  •         $2,590 in Canadian currency
  •         Two digital scales
  •         Two cell phones

Jason SAMPLE, age 41 of Thunder Bay, has been charged with the following 14 CC and CDSA offences:

  •         Resisting arrest
  •         Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  •         Unauthorized possession of a firearm
  •         Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  •         Possession of a firearm knowing that the serial number has been defaced
  •         Careless storage of a firearm
  •         Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
  •         Possession of a firearm contrary to prohibition order
  •         Carrying a concealed weapon
  •         Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition
  •         Breach of release order
  •         Breach of undertaking
  •         Possession of proceeds obtained by crime under $5,000
  •         Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine

The accused was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on February 26, 2025.

The OPP would like to thank TBPS, NAPS and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for their continued support of the PGNG program.

Anyone with any information about illegal firearms or the possession, manufacturing or trafficking of illicit drugs should contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

Melanie WAKEFIELD – Drunk Driving

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – A single motor vehicle collision ended with criminal charges for an impaired driver. 

On February 2nd, 2025, shortly after 10:00 p.m., a member of the Thunder Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended a call for service for a vehicle that had driven off the road into the ditch within the Balsam off-ramp along Highway 11-17.

Investigation determined that the driver had been consuming alcohol, and an approved screening device (ASD) test was administered. The driver failed the test and was arrested and transported to the Thunder Bay Detachment where additional breath testing was completed.    

Located outside of the driver’s side door was a bottle of Banff Ice Vodka, which was seized by officers, as pictured below.

Melanie WAKEFIELD, 40-years-old, from Thunder Bay is charged criminally with:

·      Operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs

·      Operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)

The accused had her driver’s licence suspended and the vehicle was impounded. The accused is scheduled to appear in the Thunder Bay Ontario Court of Justice on March 12, 2025, to answer to the criminal charges.

The OPP remains committed to taking alcohol/drug-impaired drivers off our roads through enforcement and public education. If you suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it is important to call 9-1-1 to report it.

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OPP Police Press Releases Thunder Bay

2 Charged Following Collision

(THUNDER BAY, ON) – On January 30th, 2025, at approximately 7:05 p.m., members of the Thunder Bay Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Detachment were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision along Highway 61 near Loch Lomond, outside of the City of Thunder Bay.

As a result of the investigation, two individuals have been charged:

Etan PERIARD, 19-years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Highway Traffic Act with:

• Drive Motor Vehicle – Perform stunt;

Travis FRASER, 31 years-old, of Thunder Bay, has been charged under the Criminal Code with:

• Dangerous operation;

Both individuals were released with court dates to present themselves in front of the Ontario Court of Justice to speak to said charges.

If you have any information about the above incident & would like to provide details, please call the Thunder Bay OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) & reference the police incident # E250123791

The OPP is committed to safety for all who utilize Ontario’s roadways. Members of the public are urged to report impaired, aggressive or careless driving by calling 911 in emergency situations. Complaints of impaired, aggressive or careless driving can also be made by calling 1-888-310-1122.

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