Police in Barrie say a man involved in a situation in the city’s north end that resulted in evacuations surrendered to officers roughly 14 hours after barricading himself inside a camper.
The 43-year-old man from Barrie was safely apprehended and taken into custody around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, police confirmed.
Despite the arrest, police say residents in nearby homes will have to stay away while officers ensure the area is safe. It’s unclear how long the evacuation order will remain in place.
Schools will open as usual, and the plaza where the incident took place will open with all businesses accessible.
Police say charges against the accused are pending as the investigation continues.
Police Investigation
The situation started around the noon hour on Tuesday after reports of a man with a gun inside a camper parked in the parking lot of a Bayfield Street plaza.
Officials told CTV News that at least one gunshot was fired.
Tactical vehicles rammed a white RV located in a parking lot, and police told CTV News the suspect is barricaded inside.
Workers at nearby businesses say the vehicle had been in the parking lot for at least a month.
Police conduct an active investigation that required businesses and residents in the immediate area to evacuate in Barrie, Ont., on Tues., Nov. 19, 2024. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)
Crisis negotiators were called to the scene, and officials said contact had been made with the person in the vehicle.
No injuries were reported.
Officials asked the public to avoid the area.
A hold and secure implemented at Cundles Heights Public School, the Barrie Learning Centre, and Simcoe Shores Secondary School was lifted by police shortly after 3 p.m.
In an updated report posted by Barrie police at 6 p.m. officials stated, “Barrie police will remain on scene as long as needed, with the primary focus being on the safety of the community, the individual and the officers.”
Ontario Provincial Police officers were called in to offer relief as the situation continued throughout the evening.
The impacted areas included Chestnut Court, Rosedale Place, Aspen Drive, and portions of Springdale Drive and Farmingdale Crescent.