Wild man busted in downtown Barrie

Police cars block Dunlop Street East as they pursue an unruly man. April 2, 2026. PHOTO: BARRIE POLICE SERVICE

A man putting people in headlocks on Dunlop Street East warranted a visit by Barrie Police Service.

It was shortly after midnight Wednesday when the man became unruly and started assaulting pedestrians and damaging property.

Police say when they arrived and were shown where the man was, he threw away a plastic bag containing drugs onto the road.

The man then fled on foot and when one of the officers caught up with him, a struggle ensued and the police officer was struck in the face.

The 41-year-old man was soon handcuffed and taken into police custody. The substance is now being analysed to determine if, as suspected, it is cocaine.

The Barrie man was charged with:

• Causing a disturbance
• Possession of cocaine
• Assaulting a peace officer with intent to resist arrest
• Fail to comply with a probation order

The accused was held in custody pending a bail hearing.