Barrie police say it took officers 90 seconds to respond after an elderly homeowner reported a break-and-enter in progress at their Poyntz Street home early this morning.
Shortly before 3:30 a.m. on May 7, police were called to the downtown residence after the homeowner said they heard someone at the rear of the house on a deck. This was followed by the sound of breaking glass and the sound of someone entering the home, according to police.
Police say officers quickly arrived on scene and contained the area.
"As they approached the rear yard, a male suspect was observed running from the property," police said in a news release. "After a brief foot chase that abruptly ended in the driveway, a 42-year-old male of no fixed address, was taken into custody without incident."
The suspect was transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued. Investigators discovered the man was on probation for a previous criminal conviction.
Police on scene were able to confirm that a screen had been removed from the window that had been broken and as they arrived, the man had just entered the home, only to "hastily exit" as the officers made their way to the backyard.
The man has been charged with break and enter and failure to comply with a probation order. He has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing today, by video, with the Ontario Court of Justice located in Barrie.
