THUNDER BAY -- Four Toronto-area suspects have been arrested on the city's south side after being tracked down by police responding to reports of a break and enter at a John Street Road home.
Thunder Bay police were called Wednesday afternoon by a neighbour about a break and enter in progress at a residence on the 1900 block of John Street Road. A white minivan with Quebec licence plates had been reported leaving the area, which was spotted by officers on Highway 61 and followed onto Arthur Street.
Staff Sgt. Ryan Gibson said the four occupants attempted to flee but were arrested by officers after a brief foot chase.
Gibson said investigators are working to determine whether the vehicle had been reported stolen, as well as what the suspects had been doing in Thunder Bay.
"It is possible they may be tied in with some organized crime group. We're not sure yet. It's too early in the investigation," Gibson said. "Their immigration status is being looked into but I will say at this point it doesn't appear they're part of any gang or gang-type activity."
The four suspects have been charged with break and enter, possession of stolen property and resisting arrest. Gibson said it's possible more charges could be laid as the investigation continues.
Gibson said police are looking into whether that residence was the only one targeted.
"Officers are still on scene concluding that part of the investigation. Obviously, if there have been more break and enters that we don't know about, we always encourage people to call in and we'll get those reports later on," Gibson said. "That's part of our standard investigation, that we'll check around that area."
