Barrie police say they located an improvised explosive device (IED) and removed it from a premise after a search warrant was executed in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.
This all started around 5 p.m. on Monday when police say they responded to a call about a "potentially dangerous" situation which could have had an impact on the safety of a supportive housing community on Essa Road, east of Highway 400.
When officers arrived, they began to evacuate people who live in the vicinity.
"A Barrie Transit bus was brought to the scene to allow for those evacuated to have a warm place to stay until the investigation was complete," police stated in a news release on Tuesday. "Also, as a precautionary measure, Essa Road was closed at Fairview Road and at Anne Street to allow for the ongoing police investigation."
Traffic was allowed through once the scene was safely secured, added police, and the bus was moved to a safe location.
Shortly after midnight, the search warrant was executed and that's when the IED was found.
A 65-year-old man of no fixed address has been charged with:
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
- Explosives – Making or Possessing Substance with Intent
- Possession of Incendiary Material
- Explosives – Making or Possessing for an Unlawful Purpose
- Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition, contrary to a Prohibition Order.
He has been held in custody and is scheduled to appear Tuesday for a bail hearing by video.
Banner image: Michael Chorney
