Police arrested a man armed with a knife they allege tried to shoplift product from a Bayfield Street store on Wednesday afternoon while officers with the Barrie police community safety and well-being unit were there conducting a retail business check.
According to police, the 54-year-old of no fixed address was armed with an edged weapon and waved it at security as he tried to leave.
Officers took him into custody.
From the investigation that followed, police allege the same person was involved in a similar theft minutes earlier in the downtown area.
"After a quick search of the parking lot, police were able to locate the arrested male’s motor vehicle and located stolen property from the earlier theft," according to a police news release.
The accused was charged with theft under $5,000, robbery with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and assault with a weapon.
He was to appear for a bail hearing on Thursday.
"All the stolen property has been returned to the stores," police added.
