Thunder Bay – NEWS – Thunder Bay Police Service say officers are investigating an alleged assault that happened around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
Police allege a woman was outside the Waterhouse at 9 Cumberland Street South waiting for a Uride when two other approached her, pushed her to the ground, punched her, and pulled out a piece of her hair.
Charge Laid
Police report a 40-year-old Thunder Bay woman, Debbie Ida Anderson, has been charged with assault causing bodily harm in connection with the incident.
The charge alleges Anderson assaulted the complainant—and caused “bodily harm.”
As with all criminal matters, the charge has not been proven in court and the accused is presumed innocent.
Court Release Conditions
Today, in the Ontario Court of Justice, Anderson was released by Justice of the Peace Jennifer Neill on a $500 no-deposit release order, with conditions that include:
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Reside at Thunder Bay Social Housing, Trillium Place
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No weapons
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Keep the required distance (100 metres) as set out in the release order
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No contact with the complainant or with co-accused
The next court appearance is scheduled for April 16, 2026.
What “Assault Causing Bodily Harm” Means
“Assault causing bodily harm” is set out in Section 267(b) of Canada’s Criminal Code. In general terms, the Crown must prove the accused committed an assault and that it resulted in bodily harm.
Under the Criminal Code, an assault can include:
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intentionally applying force to someone without consent (directly or indirectly), or
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attempting or threatening to apply force in a way that makes someone reasonably believe it could happen.
“Bodily harm” is defined in the Criminal Code as an injury that interferes with health or comfort and is more than transient or trifling.
Potential Penalties if Convicted
Assault causing bodily harm is a hybrid offence, meaning the Crown can proceed either by indictment or by summary conviction.
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If prosecuted by indictment: the maximum penalty is 10 years’ imprisonment.
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If prosecuted by summary conviction: the general maximum penalty is up to two years less a day in jail and/or a fine of up to $5,000, unless another penalty is specifically provided by law.
Courts can also impose other orders on conviction depending on the facts (for example, probation and no-contact conditions), but sentencing is case-specific.
