Four youths are facing charges following a series of incidents involving alleged threats with a knife and thefts from businesses in Barrie’s Leacock Drive area.
Barrie Police say the incidents began on the evening of Sunday, May 24th when a large group of teenagers approached youths playing at Lampman Lane Park. Investigators allege one male suspect brandished a knife and threatened a 15-year-old and a 14-year-old in separate encounters. No physical injuries were reported.
Police say the group later attended a nearby plaza on Leacock Drive where merchandise was allegedly stolen from two businesses. When a business owner confronted the group, investigators say the same suspect again displayed a knife and made threats, causing the owner to retreat into the store. A witness was also allegedly threatened as the group left the area.
Officers located two suspects nearby and later found two additional youths after they fled into a wooded area.
As a result of the investigation, a 16-year-old Barrie boy is charged with:
- Robbery with violence
- Assault with weapon (x3)
- Theft under $5,000
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a weapon contrary to a court order
- Failure to comply with sentence
A second 16-year-old Barrie boy is charged with:
- Theft under $5,000
- Mischief under $5,000
- Failure to comply with undertaking
Additionally, a 13-year-old boy is charged with uttering threats to cause bodily harm, and a 14-year-old boy is charged with theft under $5,000.
The identities of the accused are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
