On Monday, April 24, 2023, at 10:10 a.m., a motor vehicle was stolen from a resident of Eugenia Street after he had just backed it out of his garage by an unknown male who was armed with a knife. The male sped off and was observed to be operating the motor vehicle at excessive speeds and in a very dangerous manner.
Responding officers from the Barrie Police Service observed the stolen car in the west ditch near Berczy and Codrington Streets and as the driver was able to free it, he struck a marked police vehicle turning westbound onto Codrington Street.
The male suspect continued to drive in a dangerous manner having no regard for police, members of the public and there were numerous attempts made by police to safely stop the stolen vehicle .
On Penetanguishene Road, just south of Cheltenham Road, police were able to get the stolen car stopped and a 30-year-old male was taken into custody and transported back to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued with the assistance of detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division.
This incident concluded with no injuries to any member of the public or the Barrie Police Service but had the potential for a far more serious outcome. In the end, the stolen car had sustained significant damage and three marked Barrie Police cruisers were damaged.
The accused is facing 27 criminal charges which include Robbery, Utter Threats – Cause Death or Bodily Harm, Assault with a Weapon (six counts) Dangerous Operation, Mischief over $5000 (four counts), Operation while Impaired by Alcohol or Drug, Flight from Police and Obstruct Peace Officer to name just a few. He has been held in custody pending a video bail hearing which is scheduled for today at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie.
| Occurrence #: | BA232024883 |
| Prepared by: | Corporate Communications Coordinator Peter Leon |