It took all of 60 seconds, according to Barrie police, for officers to respond to a Dunlop Street West business and put a man in handcuffs after a concerned citizen believed they saw a person brandish a gun and then tuck it into his waistband.
According to police, officers were provided with detailed information involving the male, as well as a female who was with him, and both were located on the west side of the business where they were taken into custody.
"The male was found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant held by another police service, and was also found to be in possession of a suspected methamphetamine and a number of edged weapons," according to a police new release.
He was transported to Barrie Police Headquarters, where the investigation continued, while the female was released unconditionally at the scene.
A 42-year-old was charged with a drug offence (methamphetamine) and failing to comply with a probation order for being in possession of edged weapons.
The accused was later released from custody and is to appear in court next month.
Police thanked the concerned citizen for contacting them after they believed what they saw was a gun.
"Although no firearm was located, police believe that the accused displayed a prohibited edged weapon and was also found to be in possession of a second edged weapon that was also prohibited, the media release stated. "This call for service reflects a collaborative approach to public safety and serves as an excellent example of the positive outcomes that can result when the community and the police work together."
