Bystanders intervened to help a retail security guard in Barrie detain two alleged thieves on Tuesday night after the guard was reportedly assaulted during a theft incident.
Incident Details
Barrie Police said officers responded to reports of a theft at a Canadian Tire on Mapleview Dr. W. in the city’s south end shortly after 7:30 p.m. on July 2, 2026. According to police, the store’s loss prevention officer observed a man and a woman hiding several items before leaving the store without paying.
When the pair exited, the guard confronted them and was allegedly assaulted. Bystanders then came to the guard’s aid, pinning the suspects to the ground until police arrived.
Police Statement
“The bystanders stepped in to assist after the suspects assaulted an individual,” a police spokesperson said in an emailed statement Thursday. “That individual did not seek medical attention.”
Charges Laid
A 28-year-old woman faces charges of theft under $5,000 and assault with intent to resist arrest. A 41-year-old man is charged with assault.
Similar Incident in Gravenhurst
The incident follows a similar event in Gravenhurst last May, when staff at a Sobeys helped Ontario Provincial Police catch two men and a teen boy from Toronto who allegedly stole $3,000 in baby formula.
Separate Indecent Act Arrest in Barrie
In an unrelated case, Barrie Police reported that a 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with committing an indecent act. The incident occurred Tuesday at about 9 p.m. on Dunlop St. W. between Miller Dr./Tiffin St. and Town Line. Police are asking the public for dashcam footage or information; contact jweatherhead@barriepolice.ca.
