Second suspect arrested in Barrie bombing incident

Barrie police say they have arrested a second suspect in relation to the September 2023 bombing near the Anne Street bridge over Highway 400.

According to a news release issued this afternoon (July 12), an additional arrest has been made, after information came to light during an unrelated investigation.

On Tuesday, July 9, a 27-year-old Barrie man was arrested and later charged with multiple offences in connection with the investigation into the explosion.

As a result, the accused has been charged with:

• Causing an explosion likely to cause bodily harm, death, or serious damage to property;
• Place or throw an explosive substance with intent to damage property;
• Explosives - making or possessing substance with intent;
• Explosives - making or possessing for unlawful purpose;
• Arson - damage to property (x 2); and
• Possession of firearm or ammunition contrary to prohibition order (x 3)

The suspect was held in custody for a bail hearing.

The early morning explosion took place Sept. 27 of last year in a parking lot at 108A Anne St. N., near the bridge over Highway 400. The explosion was reported shortly before 3 a.m.

An improvised explosive device (IED) had been placed around the gas-cap area of a white SUV in the lot. The device had exploded, damaging surrounding vehicles, prior to emergency crews arriving.

The bombing resulted in several road closures in the area of Anne Street and Edgehill Drive for more than 16 hours, as well as the Anne Street bridge over Highway 400 for part of the morning that September day.

About 20 people living in two nearby apartment buildings also had to be evacuated from their homes that morning.

At the time of the blast, Ontario Provincial Police's urban search and rescue (USAR) unit, as well as the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRNE) response team, were on scene assisting with the investigation.

No serious injuries were reported.