NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE POLICE SERVICE
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A 32-year-old Barrie man attracted quite a bit of attention and kept police busy Saturday afternoon.
The male, who was intoxicated, began his spree by attending a residence on Alfred street at approximately 2 p.m. The homeowner there watched as the male took his camcorder and gave chase to retrieve it. The resident was successful, however discovered that the male also had his cell phone and would rather fight him than give it back.
Police received several calls within moments with regards to an intoxicated male walking in and out of traffic as he made his way to a business on Bradford Street which he attempted to hold up by saying that he had a gun. Staff ran to call police and the male staggered out of that business to a neighbouring one on Victoria Street.
In the Victoria Street business, the male again repeated that he had a gun and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk observed that what the male actually had was the cell phone and instructed the male that she was calling the police. The male then hastily grabbed for the till, removing the drawer and $300 but cutting himself badly in the process.
The entire series of events lasted 23 minutes with police hot on his heels. The male was located and arrested on Ellen street moments later and transported to the Royal Victoria Regional Health Center for treatment to his hands.
Still unsatisfied, the male caused damage to a washroom in the hospital in a fruitless attempt to escape.
As a result of his very busy day the male was charged with Theft Under $5000, Possession of Stolen Property, Attempt Robbery, Robbery, Mischief and Attempt to Escape Lawful Custody. For his efforts the male was returned to the Barrie Police Station to be held for Bail.
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