Updated May 2, 2024 @ 1:36pm
Barrie police have arrested and charged a man with attempted murder after rounding up a suspect as part of an investigation into an attack on a person in March.
At around 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, police say the suspect was located out front of a Dunlop Street West home with another man and a woman. The 29-year-old of no fixed address was taken into custody without incident and charged with attempted murder, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, trafficking in a person, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
"These charges stem from an investigation that occurred on Tuesday, March 28, 2024, after a 34-year-old victim was struck in the head with a blunt object near 112 Collier Street. The victim was later airlifted to a Toronto area trauma centre where he was treated for life-threatening injuries," police said in a news release on Thursday afternoon.
During his arrest, police said they found what is believed to be cocaine and fentanyl in his possession, so drug-related charges were added to the list. The accused was held in custody for a bail hearing that was scheduled for Thursday.
In addition to that arrest, the second man who was in front of the home, a 22-year-old of no fixed address, did not want to be in the company of the cops and fled on foot. A canine track was conducted, and even though the man climbed over fences and ran through backyards, he was eventually taken into custody. A second canine truck uncovered an edged weapon and a bag that investigators said contained a large amount of Canadian currency and an item related to drug trafficking.
"The male was transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where he was charged with obstruct 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 located in Barrie on May 29, 2024," according to the police news release.
On Wednesday afternoon, police asked residents in the Dunlop/Henry/Boys Streets neighbourhood to check their properties for any weapons or unknown substances that may have been discarded. The message is still in effect, according to police, to those who have not yet checked their properties. Anyone who finds something suspicious is asked to call 911 immediately.
