Ont. man centre of massive encampment investigation seeks bail

Robert Ladouceur appeared virtually in court, wearing an orange jumpsuit, from a holding room at the Central North Correctional Centre in Penetanguishene.

Robert Ladouceur appeared virtually in court Thursday morning, wearing an orange jumpsuit, from a holding room at the Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC) in Penetanguishene.

Ladouceur, 52, from Barrie, who also goes by the name ‘Tattoo Rob,’ was taken into custody on Sat., Aug. 2, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Police say he is the primary suspect in an ongoing investigation connected to a wooded area near Victoria Street, John Street, and Anne Street South.

• Primary suspect, 52, linked to week-long encampment investigation faces criminal charges

While Barrie police remain tight-lipped about the investigation, court documents obtained by CTV News reveal Ladouceur is facing numerous weapons-related charges involving a handgun and fleeing from police.

He is charged with 19 criminal offences across two separate dates:

From July 31:

• Six counts of careless storage of a firearm, ammunition, or prohibited device
• Four counts of possessing a restricted firearm
• Two counts of illegally possessing ammunition

From Aug., 2:

• Two counts of possessing a loaded firearm
• One count of possessing a restricted firearm
• One count of transporting that firearm
• One count of being in a vehicle knowing there was an illegal firearm
• One count of dangerous operation of a vehicle
• One count of fleeing from police

OPP has been assisting Barrie police with the investigation, including during an arrest operation in Midland. Barrie police previously stated Ladouceur was last seen in a grey Dodge Avenger. While it has not been confirmed whether Ladouceur was driving, photos show a heavily damaged Dodge Avenger and several OPP cruisers with visible damage.

The 19 charges laid are related to incidents in both Midland and Penetanguishene. It remains unclear whether the arrest was carried out by the OPP or Barrie police.

Ladouceur was represented during the virtual court appearance by his lawyer, Eginhart Ehlers, who plans to schedule a special bail hearing.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug., 13. The allegations against Ladouceur have not been tested in court.

With files from CTV News Barrie.