Thunder Bay Man Charged Following Overnight Assault Near Simpson and Bethune Streets
Police allege suspect attempted to flee; charges include assault causing bodily harm and breaches of court orders
THUNDER BAY – A 32-year-old man is facing four charges after Thunder Bay police looked into an overnight assault near Simpson and Bethune streets on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Thunder Bay Police Service Primary Response officers were sent out shortly after midnight in response to a report of an assault. According to police, a verbal argument between two men escalated into a physical confrontation.
Around 45 minutes later, officers found a man who matched the suspect’s description close to May and Donald streets. The police say the suspect tried to run away before they managed to arrest him.
Paul Ash, 32, is charged with:
Assault causing bodily harm Resisting police Failure to comply with a probation order Failure to comply with a release order
Ash was held in custody following his first court appearance. The police statement did not specify details about the complainant’s injuries or which court-order conditions were allegedly violated.
Understanding the charges
The following descriptions outline the Criminal Code provisions that typically relate to the charges listed by police. They do not represent conclusions about what happened in this case.
Assault causing bodily harm: Under section 267(b), this offense involves an assault that leads to bodily harm for another individual. The Criminal Code defines bodily harm as an injury that affects someone’s health or comfort and goes beyond minor injuries. The prosecution needs to prove both the assault and resulting bodily harm beyond a reasonable doubt. Police have not shared enough details regarding the alleged injuries in this situation. laws-lois. justice. gc. ca
Resisting police: Section 129(a) addresses resisting or intentionally obstructing a peace officer performing lawful duties or someone lawfully assisting them. The prosecution must demonstrate all necessary elements, including that the officer was acting lawfully while performing their duty. Police claim Ash attempted to escape, but the statement lacks specifics about how he resisted. Justice Canada
Failure to comply with a probation order: Section 733.1 applies when someone bound by probation fails or refuses to follow it without valid reason. This charge concerns an alleged violation of an existing court order. The police release does not specify which condition was involved or what led to probation being issued in the first place. Justice Canada
Failure to comply with a release order: Section 145(5) generally covers failing without lawful excuse to meet conditions of a release order other than appearing in court. Release orders set conditions under which someone accused can stay in the community as their case proceeds. Police haven’t identified which condition was allegedly violated here. A release order does not itself establish guilt regarding any underlying case. laws-lois. justice. gc. ca
Potential penalties upon conviction
All four offenses are hybrid offenses, meaning prosecutors can choose whether to proceed by indictment or summary conviction, affecting maximum penalties available.
Charge Maximum imprisonment if prosecuted by indictment Assault causing bodily harm 10 years Resisting police 2 years Failure to comply with a probation order 4 years Failure to comply with a release order 2 years
The maximum terms listed above are specified under sections 267, 129, 733.1 and 145 of the Criminal Code. laws-lois. justice. gc. ca
If pursued through summary conviction, each offense carries up to two years less one day in jail, fines up to $5,000, or both under general penalty provisions for summary convictions. None of these four provisions establishes mandatory minimum sentences for jail time either. Justice Canada
The maximum penalties serve as legal limits rather than predictions about sentencing outcomes for those convicted; actual sentences depend on various factors like proven circumstances and principles applicable during sentencing.
The maximum terms shouldn’t be added together simply for predicting total sentences; where consecutive sentences apply, Canadian law mandates they should not be excessively harsh or lengthy overall according to Criminal Code stipulations.
Remand is not a sentence
If someone is remanded into custody it means they’re held while awaiting further legal proceedings; it doesn’t imply guilt nor confirm any sentence related directly concerning these allegations.
Ash remains presumed innocent until proven guilty-these claims have yet been established through legal proceedings.
Police incident number: TB26040420
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