The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been called in after a Barrie city police officer fired his gun and possibly shot a robbery suspect early Monday morning.
City police responded to the Duckworth Plaza around 4 a.m. for a reported robbery that happened at College Heights Park near Bernick Drive. Officers spoke to two victims who said the culprits fled in a vehicle and they provided a description.
According to the SIU, Barrie police officers located “persons of interest” at a gas station at the intersection of St. Vincent and Grove Street East.
Four people, including two males and two females, fled the scene in a vehicle.
At some point, the officer discharged his firearm, according to the SIU.
At St. Vincent and Blake streets, the suspect vehicle crashed into a tree at St. Vincent Park and the four occupants fled on foot.
Police searched the area and three suspects were arrested.
A fourth suspect, whom police have identified as a 21-year-old man, has not been located and the SIU believes the man sustained a gunshot wound.
In a news release from Barrie police on Monday, the fourth outstanding suspect was described as having a sling on his right arm.
There was no mention of a gunshot in initial police news releases.
Two investigators from the SIU and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.
The SIU has identified one subject officer and three witness officers.
The provincial agency investigates reports of death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault involving police officers.
Barrie police have charged a 17-year-old female from Toronto with robbery, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and failure to comply with recognizance. She appeared in bail court Monday and was remanded in custody.
A 16-year-old female from Toronto has been charged with robbery, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, two counts of attempted fraud and possession of marijuana. She also appeared in bail court Monday and was remanded in custody.
A 21-year-old Toronto man has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He appeared in bail court Monday and was remanded in custody.
The fourth suspect is described as a black male between 18 and 20 years old with a thin build and standing about six feet tall. He has dark hair, dreadlocks and a dark goatee. He was wearing beige pants, a white long-sleeved shirt and has a sling on his right arm.
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