On Monday afternoon, at 1:53 p.m., the Barrie Police Service was made aware of a robbery that had just taken place at jewellery store located at 509 Bayfield St. in the City of Barrie.
Responding officers were advised that the suspects had entered the store, smashed display cabinets, stole jewellery and fled on foot to the lower-level parking lot on the east side of the mall where they got into a waiting car and fled.
Police were provided with a detailed description of the getaway car that included the licence plate number from witnesses and very quickly were able to confirm that it had been stolen last week in Toronto.
The fleeing motor vehicle was located by Barrie Police as it travelled southbound on Highway 400 at Mapleview Dr. and followed it to the Innisfil Beach Rd. exit where it lost control and left the roadway.
Five occupants in the car fled on foot and attempted to avoid being arrested, however they didn’t realize that assisting Barrie Police officers were able to contain the immediate area. All five suspects were located and arrested within 30 minutes of the robbery call being received.
The suspects were all transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where detectives from the Criminal Investigation Division continued the investigation. The now accused males, who range in age from 16-21 and are from Toronto, Mississauga and Barrie, have all been jointly charged with: Robbery with violence, Disguise with intent, Flight from peace officer, Dangerous Operation, Possess stolen property over $5000, Possess stolen property under $5000.
Of the five arrested, one of the accused, who is 17 years old, was found to be in possession of a fully loaded semi-automatic firearm. He is further charged with: Unauthorized possession of a firearm, Knowledge unauthorized possession of a firearm, Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by Crime, Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm, Carry firearm weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner, Possess weapon for a dangerous purpose, Carrying concealed weapon.
All those who were taken into custody are being held for a bail hearing which is scheduled to take place today.
The Barrie Police Service wish to thank the public who assisted with providing detailed information that ultimately resulted in this incident coming to a safe conclusion.
Occurrence #: BA25050649