‘It’s a tough time for everybody’: Father of downtown Barrie shooting victim pleads for justice

Bob Sproats speaks to CTV News following the shooting of his son, Jordan Sproats, in downtown Barrie over the Easter weekend.

Thirty-year-old Jordan Sproats from Barrie, Ont., is currently in a coma at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto after being shot in downtown Barrie early Sunday morning.

The incident happened along Dunlop Street just before 3 a.m. Police tell CTV News they are still searching for the shooter and the weapon used.

“It’s a tough time for everybody, and everyone is trying to stay as strong as they can,” says Jordan’s father, Bob Sproats.

Bob says the bullet that passed through his son’s chest grazed his spine and lungs. Since the shooting, Jordan has undergone two surgeries. Doctors have removed his spleen, left kidney and gallbladder.

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He also lost part of his pancreas and intestines.

Jordan’s family says they want the person responsible held accountable. The shooting was captured on several video cameras lining the downtown area.

“Yeah, I have seen the video. It’s crazy how quick things can change,” says Bob.

Barrie police have spoken with multiple witnesses and reviewed several videos that captured the incident.

“There were several parties involved in the altercation, and the victim and the suspect became involved in the altercation, and ultimately the victim was shot,” says Det. Sgt. John Brooks with the Investigative Service.

Investigators say they’ve seen a significant increase in weapons-related calls across the city.

“The unfortunate reality with gun violence is that it is becoming a common occurrence within the city of Barrie,” says Det. Sgt. Brooks.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to support Sproats and his young family as he continues to fight for recovery.

“I hope, just somebody, please tell the police who this gentleman is; that’s all I want. I just want him arrested, justice; that’s all,” says Bob.

Police continue to search for the shooter and are asking anyone who was in the downtown area early Sunday morning to come forward, saying even a small detail could help move the investigation forward.