The man accused of damaging multiple police cars and stealing a vehicle at knifepoint on Monday is now facing several charges.
On April 24 at 10:10 a.m., Barrie police were called about a vehicle that was stolen from a resident of Eugenia Street -- after he had just backed it out of his garage -- by an unknown man who was armed with a knife.
The assailant sped off and was seen driving the vehicle at excessive speeds and in a very dangerous manner.l, police say.
Responding officers spotted the stolen vehicle in the west ditch near Berczy and Codrington streets and, as the driver was trying to free it, police say he struck a marked police vehicle turning westbound onto Codrington.
A news release issued by police Tuesday said the suspect continued to drive in a dangerous manner, having no regard for police or members of the public. There were numerous attempts made by police to safely stop the stolen vehicle.
On Penetanguishene Road, just south of Cheltenham Road, police say they were able to get the stolen vehicle stopped.
A 30-year-old man was taken into custody and transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued with the assistance of detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division.
Police have charged Darcen Paul Power with 27 criminal charges, including robbery, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, assault with a weapon (six counts) dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, mischief over $5,000 (four counts), operation while impaired by alcohol or drug, flight from police, and obstructing a peace officer.
He has been held in custody pending a video bail hearing which was scheduled for today at the court in Barrie.
The police release said the incident concluded with no injuries to any member of the public or the police, but had the potential for a far more serious outcome.
The stolen vehicle had sustained significant damage and three marked Barrie police cruisers were also damaged.
