Police standoff leads to arrest in vehicle theft investigation

A Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) investigation into a string of vehicle thefts has produced two arrests.

TBPS officers began their investigation in early March, and arrested their first suspect, a 35-year-old local, on Monday.

The first suspect is facing numerous charges, including several counts of dangerous operation and flight from peace officers, two counts of motor vehicle theft, three counts of theft under $5000, assault with a weapon, and more.

The police service has now revealed that a heavy police presence in the north side downtown core on Tuesday was the result of a standoff with a second suspect in the investigation, who has now been arrested.

This story comes as the TBPS has warned the public of “a growing number of incidents involving vehicles being stolen” while parked at various locales such as shops and gyms.

The Police say many recent vehicle thefts have involved unlocked cars, or cars where the keys were easy to access.

They are encouraging drivers to always make sure vehicles are locked, that keys aren’t easily taken, and if possible, for vehicles to be parked in busy, well-lit, high-visibility areas.