Ont. man charged with hostage taking after 14-hour standoff on July 4

A large police presence in the area of the 100 block of Cumberland Street North in Thunder Bay, Ont., on July 4, 2025, during a stand-off involving a hostage following a weapons incident in the city. (File photo/Supplied)

A 63-year-old man involved in a lengthy police standoff earlier this month now faces an additional charge of hostage taking, the Thunder Bay Police Service announced.

The suspect was initially arrested on July 4 after a nearly 14-hour standoff in the 100 block of Cumberland Street North. Police were called to the scene at 8:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a weapons incident. According to investigators, the man entered the location, brandished what appeared to be a firearm, and demanded two individuals leave while holding a third person hostage.

Hostage safely released

Thunder Bay Police crisis negotiators established contact with the suspect and secured the hostage’s release later that morning. Police confirmed the individual was unharmed.

The standoff continued into the evening before the suspect surrendered to the Ontario Provincial Police shortly after 10:20 p.m.

The firearm was later determined to be a replica.

New charge added in standoff case

Following his arrest, the accused was initially charged with multiple offences, including armed robbery, forcible confinement, careless use of a firearm and drug possession.

The new charge of hostage taking was added after further investigation.

The accused appeared in court on Friday to answer to the additional charge and remains in custody with future court dates scheduled.