Police in Barrie’s north end are responding to reports of an active shooter situation in a mobile home, prompting evacuations in the surrounding area on Tuesday.
The incident has led to the closure of a significant portion of Bayfield Street near Heather Street as officers investigate. According to a tweet by Barrie police shortly after noon, they received reports of a possible firearm in a vehicle parked in the area.
At least one gunshot was fired, officials confirmed to CTV News. Tactical units were deployed to the scene and used armored vehicles to ram a white RV in a parking lot, where the suspect is reportedly barricaded.
Witnesses from nearby businesses noted that the RV had been parked in the lot for at least a month. Crisis negotiators are currently in contact with the individual inside the vehicle. No injuries have been reported so far.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area to facilitate the investigation. Schools in the vicinity, including Cundles Heights Public School, the Barrie Learning Centre, and Simcoe Shores Secondary School, were placed under a hold and secure order, which has since been lifted.
However, students living in evacuated zones will only be released to parents or guardians. The affected areas include Chestnut Court, Rosedale Place, Aspen Drive, and portions of Springdale Drive and Farmingdale Crescent.
The investigation remains ongoing, and updates will be provided as they become available.
Source: CTV News