Updated May 20, 2026 @ 9:07am
A shooting in Barrie's east end on Tuesday evening is believed to have been targeted, according to police.
Emergency crews were called out around 7:45 p.m. following a report of a gunshot in the area of Johnson Street and Shanty Bay Road.
A 22-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and then airlifted to a Toronto trauma centre, where he is currently listed in stable condition.
Yellow police tape roped off a parking lot at a condominium complex on Johnson Street soon after the shooting.
A resident of the complex told Barrie 360 she heard what she thought was a firecracker, looked outside, and saw a man crumpled on the grass in the parking lot.
According to police, witnesses reported seeing two males running toward Johnson's Beach following the shooting. Despite extensive search efforts involving members of the Tactical and K9 units, police said the suspects were not located.
On Wednesday, officers will be in the area canvassing for information and evidence.
"Barrie Police understand that any incident involving a firearm is very concerning. We share those concerns and remain focused on keeping our community safe. While this isn’t believed to be a random act, any form of violence will not be tolerated in our city," police said in a news release.
