A months-long investigation by multiple units of the Thunder Bay Police Service has resulted in aggravated assault charges against five teenagers following an attack in the spring. Police said officers were first dispatched to the Red River Road area on April 17 after reports of an injured individual. “An injured man was located with life-threatening injuries and they were transported to a local hospital for treatment,” said police in a news release. “The involved suspects had left the scene prior to officers arriving.” The forensic identification unit and the major crime unit took over the investigation, which led to the identification of five suspects. The identity of the injured man has not been released and police have not disclosed the victim’s current condition nor if he was known to any of the suspects prior to the incident. As part of the probe, officers searched a home in the Windsor Street area on April 19. During that search, a quantity of suspected crack cocaine was seized. The cyber crime unit later joined the investigation as it continued. Long investigation Arrests unfolded over several weeks. On May 6, officers located and arrested one suspect in the Windsor Street area. On May 10, another was arrested in the Blucher Avenue area. On May 16, a third suspect was taken into custody in the Waterloo Street area. On June 7, another suspect contacted the communications centre to turn themselves in. “Officers were dispatched to the Foley Street area to locate and arrest the suspect,” said police. The final arrest came on June 17, when officers with the break, enter and armed robbery squad, along with other units, searched a home in the Hodder Avenue area. The last accused was located and arrested during that search. Charges laid An 18-year-old local resident faces one count of aggravated assault. A 14-year-old from Thunder Bay is charged with aggravated assault and failing to comply with a sentence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Two local 16-year-olds each face a charge of aggravated assault. Additionally, a 17-year-old from Thunder Bay is also charged with aggravated assault and failing to comply with a sentence under the YCJA. Court appearances One of the 16-year-olds was released from custody with a future court date set. The remaining accused were remanded into custody following their first court appearance.
