THUNDER BAY – Another instance of a joint effort by police services has resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug seller and a suspected gang member. Thunder Bay Police Service reports that on Thursday, November 29th, 2018, the Thunder Bay Police Service Intelligence Section and the Community Response Team in conjunction with the Ontario Provincial Police, Anishinabek Police Service and Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service arrested two males from the GTA for various offences.
In the first incident, police became aware that a male previously charged from a drug investigation in October had returned to Thunder Bay in contravention of his conditions of release. Members of the Community Response Team observed the male driving and attempted to stop him.
The male failed to stop for police, eventually abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. He was arrested a short time later.
Arrested and charged was Matthew Pickering, 21, of Toronto. He is charged with:
• Breach of Recognizance
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance
• Fail to Stop for Police
• Resist Arrest
The accused according to police is a known member of the Blake Street Mafia street gang.
Thunder Bay Police had arrested Pickering in early October. At that time he faced charges related to being in possession of the proceeds of a crime greater than $5000. At that time his next court date was November 6th. Under the conditions of his release, he was required to stay out of the district of Thunder Bay unless for court-related appointments.
In the second incident, Police executed a search warrant at a residence on the 200 block of Dundas Street. A lone male was arrested and a small amount of drugs and paraphernalia conducive to drug trafficking were seized. In addition $2,600 in Canadian currency was also seized.
Arrested and charged was Shayne Hylton, 19, of Etobicoke. He is charged with:
• Possession of a Schedule 1 Substance
• Possession of Property Obtained by Crime under $5,000
Both accused appeared in court on Friday and were remanded into custody with a future date. None of the charges have been proven in court.
