Thunder Bay man, 38, faces firearms charges after weapons incident. Details on charges and penalties
Thunder Bay, ON – A 38-year-old man is facing multiple firearms-related charges following a police response to a reported weapons incident on Friday, January 17, 2025. Thunder Bay Police Service officers were dispatched to an address in the 100 block of Cumberland Street South around 9 a.m. after reports indicated a firearm had been discharged.
Police Response and Containment
Responding officers from the Community Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit, Primary Response Branch, and Emergency Task Unit secured the area and quickly identified the suspect.
Jeffrey Darren Pleson was arrested without incident and taken into custody. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The Criminal Investigations Branch is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Charges and Legal Implications
The accused, Jeffrey Darren Pleson, 38, is facing the following charges:
- Careless Use of a Firearm: A criminal charge under the Criminal Code of Canada, punishable by up to 2 years in prison if prosecuted summarily or up to 14 years if prosecuted as an indictable offense.
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose: Carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm and Prohibited Weapon: Each offense can result in prison terms of up to 5 years if convicted.
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm: Demonstrates intent, carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offense: Related to firearms acquired through illegal means, with potential prison sentences of up to 10 years.
- Discharging Firearm with Intent: A serious offense punishable by up to life imprisonment under Section 244 of the Criminal Code.
- Failure to Comply with a Probation Order: Punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment if prosecuted summarily.
Court Appearance and Next Steps
The accused appeared in court over the weekend and has been remanded into custody. A future court date is pending, where further legal proceedings will determine the next steps in this case.
Remember all accused are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Public Safety and Community Impact
Thunder Bay Police emphasize their commitment to ensuring public safety and addressing firearm-related offenses. This incident highlights the risks associated with illegal firearms and the vigilance of law enforcement in responding to such threats.
Residents in the area have been expressing their concerns to Thunder Bay District Social Services Administration Board officials.
