85-year-old victim remains in hospital; we explain the charge and potential sentences, plus safety tips for seniors

THUNDER BAY – CRIME UPDATE (Oct. 15, 2025 | File: TB25040750) — A Thunder Bay man has been charged with attempted murder following a serious, apparently random assault at Red River Road and Clarkson Avenue on the evening of Saturday, October 11.

Police say an 85-year-old man was violently assaulted and suffered serious injuries. The victim, Hendrick Walinga, remains in hospital after extensive surgery.

The suspect fled before officers arrived. Drones and the K-9 Unit were deployed, but the suspect was not found that night. Video of the suspect was later released, and tips from the public helped investigators identify a suspect.

On Monday, October 13, members of the Break, Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit arrested Drew Mitchell of Thunder Bay. The accused appeared in court October 14 and was remanded into custody. The investigation by the Major Crime Unit is ongoing.

The accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Charge, In Depth: Attempted Murder (Criminal Code s. 239)

What prosecutors must prove

• Specific intent to kill: not just to injure or scare.

• A step beyond mere preparation: an act (or series of acts) that begins carrying out the intent.

Maximum sentence (adult)

• Life imprisonment. There is no mandatory minimum sentence unless a firearm is used (which can trigger statutory minimums). Where no firearm minimum applies, judges have a broad range of sentencing discretion.

What a judge considers at sentencing (if convicted)

• Aggravating factors may include:

  • Vulnerable victim (e.g., age), random/public nature of the attack

  • Use of a weapon, degree of planning, severity and permanence of injuries

  • Impact on the victim/family and the wider community’s sense of safety

  • Any prior criminal record or commission while on bail/probation

• Mitigating factors may include:

  • Early guilty plea, remorse, steps toward rehabilitation (treatment/counselling)

  • Lack of prior record, positive background, or other personal circumstances

  • Gladue considerations where applicable (for Indigenous offenders)

Other court considerations

• Pre-trial detention/bail: Courts assess public safety, flight risk, and confidence in the administration of justice.

• Publication bans may apply to certain evidence at bail or preliminary stages.

How the Community Helped

TBPS credits the public’s assistance for quickly identifying a suspect after releasing video. If you have dash-cam, doorbell, or business CCTV from the Red River–Clarkson area on Oct. 11 between 5:45–7:30 p.m., retain it and contact police.

• TBPS (tips/non-emergency): 807-684-1200

• Crime Stoppers (anonymous): 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) | p3tips.com

• Emergency: 911

Practical Safety Tips — Especially for Seniors

These tips reduce risk without shrinking daily routines:

Plan your route

• Choose well-lit, busier streets and storefront corridors; avoid isolated cut-throughs at night.

• Tell someone your route and ETA if walking alone.

Stay “heads-up”

• Keep your phone handy but eyes up. Use one earbud only if on a call so you can hear surroundings.

• Carry essentials ready to grab (keys, transit card).

Walk with others when possible

• A buddy or small group deters opportunistic assaults. Consider community walking groups.

If something feels off

• Cross the street, enter a well-lit business, or call someone and state your location.

• Use a loud, simple command (“Back up!”) and move toward people/light.

Legal personal-safety tools

• High-lumen flashlight and personal alarm (legal and effective at drawing attention).

• Remember: sprays designed for use on people are prohibited in Canada; focus on escape and help-seeking, not confrontation.

After an incident

• Call 911 with clear descriptions (clothing, direction of travel).

• Preserve evidence (video, clothing); seek medical care even for minor injuries.

For businesses & residents

• Angle exterior cameras to capture sidewalks/curb lanes; keep timestamps accurate.

• Share relevant footage directly with TBPS when requested.

NetNewsLedger will continue to follow this case and provide updates as new information becomes available.