Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is investigating after a suspect was injured during an arrest by Barrie police, who laid firearm and drug charges on the man.
"Late yesterday afternoon, officers from the Barrie Police Service Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were conducting an unrelated investigation in downtown Barrie when they observed a male in the area of Meridian Place who they believed was in possession of a firearm," Barrie police officials said in a release Wednesday.
"As a result of the investigation that followed, police also learned that the 21-year-old male from Brampton was actively conducting drug transactions throughout the downtown area."
Police say the man was taken into custody on Mary Street just before 8:00 p.m.
"He was arrested for Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking," officers said.
"He was later found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic firearm, a quantity of Canadian currency, as well as suspected cocaine and fentanyl."
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The accused was sent to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued. Police say he is facing a slew of firearms, drugs, and other charges.
He was held in custody and is scheduled to appear today for a bail hearing.
"During the arrest, there was an interaction with police and the accused sustained an injury," officers stated.
"As a result, the Special Investigations Unit was notified and has invoked their mandate. As such, all inquiries regarding the investigation are to be directed to the Special Investigations Unit at 416-622-0748 or 1-800-787-8529."
