An 80-year-old man from Midhurst is facing drug possession and drug trafficking charges after being found with cocaine.
On Monday August 18th, just before 7:30 p.m., Barrie Police received a report of a male seen sleeping behind the wheel of his car. As police arrived at the parking lot of the Yonge St. coffee shop, officers located the car with the engine running and driver fast asleep. As police looked into the vehicle, they observed a small bag that contained a white powdery substance and paraphernalia related to the sale of illegal drugs.
The driver was awakened and placed under arrest for Possession of Schedule 1 Substance – Cocaine. A search of the car also revealed a quantity of suspected cocaine and Canadian currency. The driver also exhibited signs of impairment and was issued a Field Sobriety Test, which he failed.
The man was taken to Barrie Police Headquarters where the investigation continued. A Drug Recognition Evaluator conducted a series of tests and determined that the male was not impaired.
The accused has been charged with Possession of Schedule I Substance – Cocaine and Trafficking in Schedule I Substance – Cocaine. He was later released and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice located in Barrie on September 10, 2025.
Barrie Police wish to thank the citizen who contacted police and shared their concerns about this sleeping driver as their actions likely prevented a serious incident from taking place. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, please call 911 immediately.
Also on Monday at 1:53 p.m., the Barrie Police received a call about a robbery that had just taken place at a jewellery store located at 509 Bayfield Street. Witnesses say that the suspects had entered the store, smashed display cabinets, stole jewellery and fled on foot to the lower-level parking lot on the east side of the mall where they got into a waiting car and fled.
Police were provided with a detailed description of the getaway car that included the licence plate number from witnesses and very quickly were able to confirm that it had been stolen last week in Toronto. The vehicle was located as it travelled southbound on Highway 400 at Mapleview Drive and Barrie Police followed it to the Innisfil Beach Road exit where it lost control and left the roadway.
The five occupants in the car attempted to get away on foot, however they didn’t realize that assisting Barrie Police officers were able to contain the immediate area. All five suspects were located and arrested within 30 minutes of the robbery call being received.
Five males — ages 16-21 and from Toronto, Mississauga and Barrie — have all been jointly charged with:
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Robbery with violence
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Disguise with intent
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Flight from peace officer
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Dangerous Operation
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Possess stolen property over $5000
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Possess stolen property under $5000
A 17-year-old was in possession of a fully loaded semi-automatic firearm. He is further charged with:
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Unauthorized possession of a firearm
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Knowledge unauthorized possession of a firearm
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Possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm
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Possession of a firearm, prohibited or restricted weapon obtained by crime
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Occupant of motor vehicle knowing there was a firearm
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Carry firearm weapon, prohibited device or ammunition in a careless manner
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Possess weapon for a dangerous purpose
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Carrying concealed weapon
The suspects are scheduled for a bail hearing on August 19th.
