Northern Ont. hostage situation, armed standoff in ends with suspect in custody
A day-long armed standoff in Thunder Bay's north end concluded peacefully Friday night with the arrest of a male suspect and the safe release of a hostage.
The Thunder Bay Police Service first responded to a weapons incident in the 100 block of Cumberland Street North around 8:30 a.m. on July 4. The situation escalated into a hostage-taking, prompting a heavy police presence and street closures in the area.
July 4 - Thunder Bay Standoff
Thunder Bay police units secure the scene on Cumberland Street North on July 4, 2025, during a stand-off involving a hostage following a weapons incident in the city. (Supplied)
Officers contained the scene, and the hostage – who had been held with the suspect – was able to exit safely earlier in the day. The standoff continued late into the evening before the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
Thunder Bay police chief Darcy Fleury praised the coordinated response, calling it a display of 'absolute professionalism, courage, and collaboration.'
'This was a high-risk, high-pressure incident that required the best of what policing should be,' Fleury said in news release Saturday.
Ontario Provincial Police assisted with specialized units, including the Tactics and Rescue Unit and Emergency Response Team. In an overnight social media post, the OPP confirmed the suspect's arrest, thanking the public for their patience.
Fleury emphasized the role of teamwork in the peaceful resolution.
'The outcome was possible because of the outstanding dedication shown by everyone across our service and our partners with the OPP,' he said.
'No matter the risk, our teams put the safety of others first.'
Police had advised residents to avoid the area throughout the day, with closures in effect on Cumberland Street between Camelot Street and Marina Park Drive, as well as side streets.
A visible police presence remained into Saturday as investigators continued their work.
Thunder Bay Police Service Cruiser
An undated photo of a Thunder Bay Police Service vehicle parked in a residential neighbourhood of the city. (Thunder Bay Police Service/Facebook)
Authorities thanked the public for their cooperation during the incident.
Neither Thunder Bay police nor OPP have released any further details about the hostage, the suspect or what charges may be pending as of Sunday morning.
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