A 34-year-old man accused of thefts at Bayfield Street’s Freshco and Walmart as well as threatening security guards with a knife was released on Monday.
Nicholas Vassilodimitrakis was escorted into a Barrie courtroom this morning by courthouse guards who were wearing face masks due to the accused having allegedly spit in guards' faces and being hepatitis-C positive.
Often swearing and raising his voice at lawyers and police during his bail hearing, Vassilodimitrakis claimed he had no one who would post bail for him and that he “was a man and would do it myself.”
Vassilodimitrakis faces 17 charges from the November 21 2018 Freshco incident (Robbery, Escape Lawful custody, Weapons Dangerous) and the January 6 2019 Walmart incident (Theft Under, Assault with intent to resist, Possession Property Obtained by Crime, Carry Concealed Weapon, Weapons Dangerous, three counts of Assault Peace Officer with a Weapon, Threaten Death, Escape Lawful Custody, three counts of Fail to Comply Probation).
It is alleged that on Jan. 6 2019, Vassilodimitrakis was observed by loss prevention officers putting items into his clothes and leaving the store without paying. Once they approached him outside and told him he was under the arrest, police say the accused pulled out a knife and pointed it at the loss prevention officers, who backed away.
Upon running through the parking lot, Vassilodimitrakis allegedly turned around and yelled “get the f--k away from me or you’ll die” to the loss prevention officers while people in the parking lot ran away from him.
The accused then took off onto Bayfield Street where he was eventually approached and tasered by police and placed in custody.
None of the allegations against Vassilodimitrakis have been tested in court.
Vassilodimitrakis is also accused of threatening a loss prevention officer with a knife after he stole items from the Freshco at 409 Bayfield St., on Nov. 21, 2018.
During a Feb. 1, 2019 transfer to be seen by a psychiatrist, Vassilodimitrakis is also accused of assaulting an officer by spitting and resisting.
Vassilodimitrakis was visibly agitated in the prisoner’s box Monday, pacing back and forth, many times speaking over lawyers and the judge, often challenging the Crown.
Despite 167 interactions with police over the last few years, 121 charges and the accused's mental state, which was discussed, the bail judge determined that Vassilodimitrakis could be released on his own recognizance. He was handed several conditions and left the courthouse.
Vassilodimitrakis next court date is scheduled for Wednesday, March 27.
