It’s been 40 days since a double shooting in Barrie and police are still hoping someone can direct them to the whereabouts of the man they’re seeking.
Barrie police issued an arrest warrant for 18-year-old Zia Mohammed Chaudhry on March 3 and his picture was released four days later.
Chaudhry is wanted on charges of attempted murder, discharging a firearm with intent and two counts of aggravated assault in relation to the Feb. 15 shooting that took place on Bayfield Street, just south of Grove Street.
Police believe that Chaudhry is from the area but that he “could be anywhere, knowing he is wanted for this very serious offence,” said Peter Leon, Barrie police communications co-ordinator.
“They know their picture is out there and they are clearly lying very low right now. But, as anyone who lives their life in this type of criminal world knows, they could be stopped in a vehicle by a police service or us and the next thing you know, we’ll have that person in our custody.”
Leon said situations like this aren’t new and it's important to take steps like putting a picture out, as the Barrie police have done.
“Unfortunately, this happens, especially when a crime is this serious. People will go deep into hiding to avoid police,” said Leon. “It's good that we got the picture out there as it gives the average citizen a little bit more to work with. If they recognize the individual, either knowing them or having seen them around, they may call 911.”
Police were called to a home in the Bayfield and Grove streets area around 5 p.m. on Feb. 15 after receiving reports of a shooting. Two male victims were airlifted to Toronto-area trauma centres, where they were originally listed to be in serious but stable condition.
BarrieToday learned from city police on March 3 that one victim had since been released from hospital, while the other remained in hospital in serious condition.
The current status of the hospitalized man is not known.
Police did not have any details about the relationship between the individuals and the suspect.
Leon said while he understands the public desire to get Chaudhry into custody, police are working on it and it won’t be long before they have him in custody.
“We are doing everything we can and, obviously, when we get information, we follow up on it accordingly,” he said. “The fact his picture and name are out there — there are people who know him or of him and, honestly, it’s only a matter of time. If he is out and about, he is looking over his shoulder to see who is coming up behind him next.”
Chaudhry is described as 18 years old with brown skin tone, standing approximately five-foot-10 and weighing 180 pounds with a thin build, straight black hair, and brown eyes.
Police note that Chaudhry, who is known to frequent Barrie and Toronto, is considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are advised not to approach him, but rather to call police if spotted.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are asking anyone who may have information or who may have been in the area around the time of the shooting to contact Barrie police at 705-725-7025, ext. 2131.
