A man was arrested in downtown Barrie yesterday and charged with attempted murder after allegedly striking a man in the head with a blunt object back in March.
On Wednesday, May 1, just before 1:30 p.m., Barrie police say officers from the 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.
Police say a short time later, the wanted man was located in front of a Dunlop Street West home with another man and woman.
A 29-year-old man, of no fixed address, was arrested without incident and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, traffic in person, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Police say the charges stem from an investigation which occurred on March 28, 2024, after a 34-year-old victim was struck in the head with a blunt object near 112 Collier St. The victim was later airlifted to a Toronto trauma centre where he was treated for life-threatening injuries.
While dealing with the accused, the other man, a 22-year-old of no fixed address, fled on foot, according to police.
Additional police resources were directed into the area and set up containment.
“A canine track was conducted, and although the man 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,” police stated in a news release.
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, according to police.
The 22-year-old man was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with obstructing a peace officer and possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was later released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on May 29.
Police also say the man initially arrested was also found to be in possession of what is believed to be cocaine and fentanyl. As a result, he 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 area of Dunlop, Henry and Boys streets 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, residents are “strongly encouraged” by police to do so, and if anything is located, to call 911 immediately.
