On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, just before 1:30 p.m., officers from the Barrie Police Service Community Safety and Well Being High Harm Unit were in the area of Dunlop and Anne Streets attempting to locate a suspect in an ongoing investigation.
A short time later, the wanted male was located out in front of a Dunlop Street West home with another male and female. He was taken into custody without incident, and the male, who is 29-year-old and of no fixed address, was arrested for Attempt to Commit Murder, Assault with a Weapon, Aggravated Assault, Traffick in Person, and Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose. These charges stem from an investigation that occurred on Tuesday, March 28, 2024, after a 34-year-old victim was struck in the head with a blunt object near 112 Collier Street. The victim was later airlifted to a Toronto area trauma centre where he was treated for life threatening injuries.
While dealing with accused, the other male, a 22-year-old of no fixed address, fled on foot. Additional police resources were directed into the area and set up containment. A canine track was conducted, and although the male tried to stay one step ahead by climbing fences and running through backyards, he was eventually taken into custody as he tried to make his way back to Dunlop Street. A secondary canine track resulted in an edged weapon and a bag that contained a large amount of Canadian currency, along with an item related to drug trafficking being found. The male was transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where he was charged with Obstruct Peace Officer, and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000. He was later released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Barrie on May 29, 2024.
The male initially arrested by police was also found to be in possession of what is believed to be cocaine and fentanyl, and as a result, is also facing drug related possession and trafficking charges. He has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing today.
Yesterday afternoon, Barrie Police asked residents in the Dunlop/Henry/Boys Streets area to check their properties for any weapons or unknown substances that may have been discarded. If you live within the identified area and have not yet done so, you are strongly encouraged by police to do so, and if anything is located, to call 911 immediately.
