Two men are in custody after what began as a collision investigation turned into a rescue operation south of Barrie.
On Friday, February 20th, at about 5:30 p.m., Barrie Police assisted the OPP following a motor vehicle collision on Highway 400, just south of Mapleview Drive. Police say two male suspects fled the scene and ran into a wooded, swampy area between McKay Road and Lockhart Road.
Officers tracked the suspects through waist-deep snow and muddy terrain with the help of K9 and Tactical Support Unit members. As conditions worsened and it became clear the men were not dressed for the harsh winter weather, police shifted their focus from apprehension to search and rescue amid concerns of hypothermia.
A drone was deployed, though visibility was limited due to weather conditions. At around 6:30 p.m., a 21-year-old suspect was located stuck in the snow and carried back to the highway. About 30 minutes later, a 20-year-old man was found buried and immobilized in the swamp. Officers extricated him and were assisted by Barrie Fire Services, which deployed a rescue sled.
Both suspects were taken into custody and transported for medical evaluation.
