A large number of police officers are conducting a grid search in the Syndicate and Norah area on the south side of the city.

Several residents of Thunder Bay's south side say they have recently witnessed police officers and police dogs conducting a grid search in their back alleys or along Arthur Street, and have received door-to-door notices from police and requests for permission to enter their properties. Some comments express concern that the early public announcement may give potential suspects time to move evidence; others say they understand the police need for transparent communication to ease public concerns.

Police issued a notice on April 25 stating that the search area is mainly in multiple public and semi-public locations on the south side, and that the operation will continue for several days, during which residents may see canine units, forensic personnel, and marked police vehicles moving through back alleys and green spaces. Police also asked residents to cooperate if they need temporary access to private property to conduct searches.

Although the TBPS has not released details of the investigation, the community generally links this search to a homicide that occurred last December. At that time, 41-year-old Deborah Anishinabie was found dead on the south side; in January of this year, 33-year-old Levi Michael Lawson was charged with second-degree murder. The original case was limited by snowfall during the winter, and with the spring thaw, police have returned to the scene to collect any missed clues to strengthen the prosecution's case.

Police again remind the public that there is currently no public safety risk. If suspicious items are found on the south side, residents should avoid touching them and immediately call 807-684-1200, or provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Police promise to update the media and the public promptly once there are significant developments.