Seven people — including four minors — have been charged with robbery following a heavy police presence in Barrie's northeast end last night.
Shortly before 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, Barrie police was informed of an alleged robbery that had taken place at a Hewitt Place residence, in the area of Georgian Drive and Penetanguishene Road.
"Based upon information received by responding uniform officers, a perimeter was established around a home as additional police resources were requested and deployed to the scene," police said in a news release Thursday morning. "Police were satisfied that the incident was isolated to the involved home, that they had the scene safely contained and there was no immediate threat to public safety."
With assistance from the tactical support unit and "primarily due to the seriousness of the complaint received," police say the residents were called out of the home one by one.
While weapons charges have been laid, Barrie police communications coordinator Peter Leon declined to comment on the type of weapon involved because it formed part of the investigation.
Leon said the male victim had attended the residence after an item had been posted for sale. He sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalization.
Four young males, ranging in age from 14 to 17 years old, two men aged 20 and 35, and a 35-year-old woman were placed under arrest without incident. The suspects were all transported to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued overnight.
Police say officers remained on scene at the home until they secured judicial warrants to lawfully enter the home and search for evidence related to the original call.
All seven people have been charged with armed robbery, robbery with violence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault with a weapon, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.
They were held in custody for bail hearings, which are expected to take place today by video at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Barrie.
Barrie police also thanked Hewitt Place residents and "anyone who may have been impacted by last night’s measured response to this incident."
