Man charged with theft after leaving Bayfield Street store with handful of items

Bayfield Street in Barrie, Ont. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)

One man was charged with theft after walking out of a Bayfield Street store with a handful of items, according to Barrie Police.

On Monday, just before 11 a.m., a Barrie Police officer was on general patrol in the area of Bayfield and Wellington streets when an argument involving two people was observed in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store.

The officer quickly learned that a man had allegedly taken a number of items from the store and left without paying.

An employee who had witnessed the alleged theft was observed arguing with the man outside.

The 26-year-old suspect was arrested for theft under $5,000 and was taken to Barrie Police Headquarters for further investigation. At the headquarters, officials confirmed that the accused had falsely identified himself and was further charged with obstructing police.

All the items were recovered and were valued at just over $100.

The man was held in custody and is scheduled to appear for a bail hearing in Barrie.