Crime: 1)Barrie Police say fraudsters are making scam calls impersonating policeMan; 2)Man charged in connection to November overdose death in Wasaga Beach; 3)Scarborough man charged by Barrie Police in connection with human trafficking investigation; 4)Barrie youth charged after theft of mint condition sports card; 5)Barrie-area stolen vehicle linked to Huntsville hit-and-run: two youths arrested; 6)Barrie resident facing impaired charge following disturbance at Arrowhead Provincial Park; 7)Fear, grief and calls for security after deadly shooting at Toronto street festival; 8)UPDATE: Salsa on St. Clair Festival cancelled after two men killed Saturday night; 9)U.K. man sentenced to 3.5 years for death of Owen Sound restaurant owner; 10)Unsolved crime: New push for answers in deadly Highway 89 fail-to-remain crash in Innisfil that killed a mother of five; July 14, 2025; 11)Gravenhurst driver charged with impaired, stunt driving in Muskoka Lakes
1)Barrie Police say fraudsters are making scam calls impersonating police
Courtesy Barrie360.com and News Release
By Staff, July 17, 2026
Barrie Police have issued an alert after receiving multiple reports of scam calls that appear to come from the police service’s main phone number, 705-725-7025.
On July 16, several individuals reported receiving threatening calls from someone claiming to be a member of the Barrie Police Service. In some cases, callers attempted to collect personal information or made alarming claims involving the recipient or a family member.
Reports indicate some residents received repeated calls and voicemails, while others said the caller refused to provide a name, badge number, or a legitimate reason for contacting them.
Police say fraudsters can manipulate caller ID technology, making it appear as though a call is coming from a trusted organization. In these incidents, scammers reportedly used threats and intimidation tactics to obtain personal information.
Barrie Police stress that officers will never call to demand payments, request banking information, or threaten arrest or jail time over the phone.
Residents are encouraged to protect themselves by never sharing personal or financial information during unsolicited phone calls. Anyone unsure about the legitimacy of a caller should hang up and contact the Barrie Police Service directly.
Authorities also remind the public that fraudsters often rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into making quick decisions without verifying the information.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or message resembling these incidents is urged not to engage with the caller. Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident to both Barrie Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
2)Man charged in connection to November overdose death in Wasaga Beach
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, July 17, 2026
Provincial police charged a man on Wednesday in relation to a nearly eight-month long drug overdose death investigation in Wasaga Beach.
On November 28, 2025, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Huronia West OPP officers and EMS responded to a sudden death reported in Wasaga Beach. Upon arrival, emergency responders located a 34-year-old man unconscious.
Police say first responders attempted life-saving measures, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Eventually, on Wednesday, a 33-year-old man from Wasaga Beach was arrested in connection to the death and charged with manslaughter, trafficking a schedule one substance, and failing to comply with a probation order.
A court date is set for the accused in Collingwood on Tuesday.
The detachment’s crime unit is continuing the investigation under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch and in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.
3)Scarborough man charged by Barrie Police in connection with human trafficking investigation
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, July 16, 2026
Barrie Police have arrested and charged a 25-year-old Scarborough man with nine different offences on Wednesday in connection to a months-long human trafficking investigation.
Police say he initially lured a 23-year-old Barrie woman through social media and exercised control of her for nearly two years, taking advantage of her substance dependency and forcing her into the sex trade, keeping the proceeds.
The investigation, led by the Barrie Police Service Human Trafficking Unit was launched in May and the suspect was arrested in Kitchener.
He was charged with human trafficking, procuring, material benefit from human trafficking and sexual services, assault, uttering threats, trafficking cocaine, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Barrie Police have identified the accused as Vincent Jones of Scarborough because investigators believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with information to come forward. An image of the white Tesla he was known to drive was also shared.
“Human traffickers primarily focus on vulnerable individuals and typically engage in a process called ‘grooming,’” the service said in a news release. “This process involves manipulation, emotional abuse, addiction, threats, violence, isolation, and control.”
Police say its important to recognize potential signs of grooming, which include sudden changes in behavior (including fear, anxiety, depression or hypervigilance); withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities; or signs of physical abuse or neglect, possession of unexplained gifts, money, or phones.
The Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline is available to those who are victims or survivors of sex trade or forced labour, or think someone is.
4)Barrie youth charged after theft of mint condition sports card
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, July 15, 2026
A Barrie teen was charged on Tuesday after he attempted to steal a highly valuable hockey card during a transaction stemming from a Facebook Marketplace listing.
Police say the suspect directed the seller to meet shortly before 6:30 p.m. outside an address located in the southeast end of the city. It was later confirmed that the location was not his residence.
The suspect reportedly took multiple photographs of the collectible during the interaction, and when the seller briefly diverted his attention, the suspect grabbed the card from his hand and fled on foot toward a wooded trail.
Police say officers obtained video surveillance, and eventually identified the suspect as a 16-year-old Barrie resident.
When police visited the youth’s residence, he answered the door wearing the same outfit seen in the surveillance footage. He was subsequently taken into custody and the card was recovered.
The youth was charged with theft over $5,000.
The card in question was a PSA grade-10 2024 Upper Deck Macklin Celebrini #451, a rookie card of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks’ star forward.
A 2024 Upper Deck Macklin Celebrini #451 card is seen in this undated handout image. BARRIE360/HO-Barrie Police Service
“With Facebook Marketplace and other online platforms making it easier than ever to connect with buyers and sellers, convenience should never replace caution,” Barrie Police said in a release. “While many transactions are completed without issue, a person’s online profile, messages, or apparent knowledge of an item don’t guarantee their intentions.”
“This incident is a reminder that an opportunistic thief can strike in a split second.”
The identity of the youth involved is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA).
Barrie Police remind the public and media partners not to post or share identifying details of youths involved in criminal incidents. Under the YCJA, publicly posting or sharing a young offender’s name, photo, school, or other distinguishing details is a serious offence. These restrictions apply to social media, digital publications, and broadcasting.
5) Barrie-area stolen vehicle linked to Huntsville hit-and-run; two youths arrested
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, July 13, 2026
Provincial police are investigating after a vehicle stolen from the Barrie area struck a pedestrian in Huntsville.
Police say they received a report about the stolen vehicle around 5 p.m. Sunday, and officers were told it was travelling northbound on Highway 11 toward Gravenhurst. Officers, with assistance from OPP Aviation Services, conducted a search but were unable to locate the vehicle.
Around 8 p.m., OPP spotted the vehicle in Huntsville.
Police say that as the vehicle fled the area, it struck a pedestrian. The individual was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned on Ravenscliffe Road in Huntsville.
After an extensive search, police arrested two youths.
A 16-year-old from Huntsville has been charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm, failing to stop after an accident resulting in bodily harm, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and three counts of failing to comply with a release order.
A 14-year-old from Huntsville has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Both suspects will appear in Bracebridge court at a later date.
6)Barrie resident facing impaired charge following disturbance at Arrowhead Provincial Park
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, July 12, 2026
A Barrie resident is facing an impaired driving charge after police responded to a disturbance at Arrowhead Provincial Park in Huntsville.
Ontario Provincial Police say officers were called the campground just after midnight on Saturday following reports of a disturbance.
During the investigation, police say officers located a person believed to be involved, and they observed signs of impairment while speaking with the individual.
The 46-year-old was charged with impaired operation of a vehicle and operation while impaired with a blood alcohol concentration of 80 plus.
The accused was released from custody with an August court date.
7)Fear, grief and calls for security after deadly shooting at Toronto street festival
Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press
By Monique Kasonga, July 12, 2026
A Toronto street that should have been packed with vendors and dancing people was all but deserted on Sunday after a shooting the night before at the Salsa on St. Clair festival left two people dead and sent thousands running for cover.
The street festival on St. Clair Avenue West was scheduled to run through Sunday, but organizers called it off as police continued their investigation into the sudden gunfire that also sent four people to hospital with serious injuries.
Instead, only a handful of businesses were open along the street as police blocked access to all cars. Bright festival signs hung amid empty vendor booths and only a few people were walking around.
Redon Hoxhaj was on his way to Pain Perdu, a café on St. Clair Avenue West he visits every Sunday. It was closed.
“I feel sad, most of all, a bit afraid,” Hoxhaj said in an interview.
He said he was worried about the victims, survivors and witnesses of the shooting, and about the near future of the businesses on the street.
“Yeah, they are going to suffer. Who knows when they’ll open,” he said, adding: “People that were here yesterday, they ran in fear. I don’t know how long it’s going to take for them to recover.”
Toronto police said an estimated 13,000 people were attending the festival when shots rang out shortly after 8 p.m. in the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue. One man was killed at the scene and another died in hospital. Four more were sent to hospital with serious gunshot wounds.
Police cordoned off three separate crime scenes and found two firearms, officials said. As of Sunday morning, they had made no arrests.
Salsa on St. Clair is a long-running festival celebrating Latin music, food and culture. Pictures and videos on social media showed festivalgoers dancing happily in the crowded street on Saturday afternoon, before the violence erupted.
Tomer Markovitz, owner of Romi’s Restaurant and Bakery on St. Clair Avenue West, said he and other business owners on the street shut their operations down early Saturday because they anticipated trouble and they have been urging the city and festival officials to beef up security.
They also asked festival organizers to end the celebrations earlier in the day this year, ahead of nighttime drinking that could end in unrest, he said.
“We need … more of everything here in order to contain this, because this is one of the biggest street festivals in Canada,” he said in an interview. “So even if you put a metal detector in order to come into a festival, it’s not the end of the world … It’s just to make sure everyone inside is safe.”
He said he hoped the festival would take place somewhere else next year, “somewhere else that they can contain it.”
Tara Kennedy, a resident of the area, also said the festival will need to increase its security measures in the coming years. However, she said the neighbourhood is generally a safe place to live.
“People around here, they love markets like this and they love things like this, and I do too,” she said in an interview. “It’s extremely scary.”
Officials said the lights of Toronto’s iconic CN Tower would dim at the start of every hour on Sunday night to honour the victims.
The shooting occurred on what appears to have been a particularly violent night in the city. Toronto police responded to another shooting early Sunday that left three people injured and resulted in five arrests, the force said on the X social media platform.
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw referred to both incidents in a social media post Sunday, saying the night before was “tragic and violent.”
“The brazen violence we witnessed in the middle of a community festival … is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Demkiw wrote on X, vowing that police would be “relentless” in its pursuit of those responsible.
On Friday night, a shooting in the Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue East area left a 22-year-old man dead and injured two others, police said in a news release.
Meanwhile, people and organizations from across Canada took to social media to express their sympathies and support.
In British Columbia, Filipino BC said it was grieving with Toronto’s Latin community, saying it knows the devastation of experiencing violence during cultural celebrations.
On April 26, 2025, 11 people were killed in a car-ramming attack at the Filipino Lapu Lapu Day celebrations in Vancouver.
In an Instagram post, the Filipino BC non-profit said violence at cultural festivals “shakes an entire community, forever changing a place that was meant to be filled with joy, connection and pride.”
“To our friends in the Latin community, please know that you are not alone,” the post said. “We are holding you in our hearts, mourning with you, and standing beside you as you begin the difficult journey ahead.”
The Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Area, which represents more than 90 businesses in the St. Clair West area, said on social media that Salsa on St. Clair has “long been a celebration of culture, community and connection.”
“It is devastating that an event dedicated to bringing people together has been overshadowed by this act of violence,” the organization said in an Instagram post.
Soul2Sole Latin Dance Company, which offers salsa and Latin dance lessons in the Toronto area, said it has been part of the Salsa on St. Clair community for more than two decades.
“We stand together in support, compassion and hope for healing for all those impacted,” the company said on Instagram.
The Toronto Tempo WNBA team also posted its condolences on the social media platform, thanking first responders and pledging solidarity with the community “in hope for healing, strength and peace in this difficult time.”
Anita Anand, Canada’s foreign affairs minister, said she once lived in the area of the shooting, describing it as “a place of community and family.”
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the community,” she said on X.
— With files from Sarah Smellie in St. John’s, N.L.
8)UPDATE: Salsa on St. Clair Festival cancelled after two men killed Saturday night
Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press
By Kathryn Mannie, July 12, 2026
The remainder of Toronto’s Salsa on St. Clair festival has been cancelled as police continue to investigate a shooting that left two people dead and others injured at the event on Saturday night.
Organizers say in an Instagram post the street festival will not resume today, and their thoughts are with everyone affected by the “senseless violence.”
One man died at the scene and another in hospital after an exchange of gunfire that also sent four people to hospital with serious gunshot wounds.
The shooting, at one of the city’s most popular summer events, drew widespread condemnation, with Mayor Olivia Chow calling it a “reckless” act of violence.
Toronto police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said an estimated 13,000 people were attending the festival celebrating Latin music, food and culture before shots rang out shortly after 8 p.m., killing the two men and injuring at least four others.
Police cordoned off three separate crime scenes and found two firearms, he told a news conference. No one has been arrested yet in the shooting.
“This was a very active and chaotic scene,” Barredo said. “At times, there was some concern of an active shooter. That turned out not to be the case.”
The mayor said she was very disturbed by the deadly gunfire and offered her condolences to the victims and their families.
“I’m deeply angry about this reckless, irresponsible act of violence in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, seniors,” Chow said.
Festival goers described a chaotic scene after shots were fired, with people running and screaming as police converged on the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue.
Valerie Rodriguez said she was sitting next to a restaurant when she saw people fleeing.
“A bunch of people … told us to lay down onto the floor,” she said. “We got scared because we didn’t know exactly what was happening.”
Patsy Gutierrez, a vendor at the festival, said she was serving customers when she saw “a huge wave” of people running.
“Everybody started getting frantic, and then we stopped serving,” she said. “I don’t think it should be something that’s happening in these type of events.”
William Ajselett said he was in line to buy food when he witnessed “a crowd-crushing situation.”
After the crowd dispersed, he said he tracked down his wife and made sure his friends were okay.
Josh Matlow, a city councillor in the area, said he was at the festival earlier in the day and it was “very peaceful.”
“The vibe was great,” he said at the scene.
“I came over to support the police efforts and, of course, to be in touch with community leaders who are scared and worried about the neighbourhood.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney both said they were horrified by the shooting.
“My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event,” Carney said in a social media post.
“My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy. Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Ford said he is devastated by the “senseless” violence, adding that “the person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.”
The Salsa on St. Clair festival has been running for more than 20 years and features live music performances and dancing over two days. It’s one of the biggest events on Toronto’s summer calendar.
Hours after the shooting on Saturday night, festival streets were empty, with only litter, broken glass and police vehicles remaining.
9)U.K. man sentenced to 3.5 years for death of Owen Sound restaurant owner
Courtesy Barrie360.com and Canadian Press
By Kathryn Mannie, July 12, 2026
A British man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of an Ontario restaurant owner killed in a dispute over an unpaid bill has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison.
Robert Evans was arrested in Scotland and extradited to Canada last year for his role in the 2023 death of Sharif Rahman, who died a week after he was assaulted outside his Owen Sound, Ont., restaurant.
Evans appeared Friday in an Owen Sound courtroom, where the presiding judge said Crown prosecutors and Evans’ defence lawyer had agreed on a three-and-a-half year sentence in a joint submission.
Taking into account time already served in custody, the judge said Evans will spend about seven months in prison before he is likely handed over to Canadian border officials for deportation.
Evans pleaded guilty in June alongside his father, Robert Busby Evans, and uncle, Barry Evans, who were also extradited to Canada to face charges for helping Evans flee the country.
Court heard in June that Evans was with a group of people at Rahman’s restaurant, The Curry House, when Rahman confronted them over an unpaid bill.
An agreed statement of facts read in court said Evans punched the restaurant owner in the face, causing Rahman to fall and hit his head on the sidewalk.
The restaurant owner suffered a skull fracture and brain bleed and later died in a London, Ont., hospital.
Evans’ father and uncle were sentenced to 21 months for accessory after the fact after court heard that Evans’ uncle drove him away from the scene and his father later bought him a plane ticket to return to the U.K.
Evans apologized to Rahman’s family in June and said he didn’t mean for the restaurant owner to die.
“This never should have happened,” he said. “There were so many things I could have done differently that day. I think about it every night and I’m sickened by the damage I’ve caused.”
The sentencing judge said Friday that Rahman was a beloved husband, father and member of the Owen Sound community, and acknowledged that some may see Evans’ three-and-a-half year sentence as too lenient.
The judge said Evans did not intend to cause Rahman’s death and similar cases of manslaughter involving “one impulsive punch” gave rise to sentences between two and six years.
“None of this makes the death of Mr. Rahman any less tragic,” he said.
Under Canadian law, the judge said he could not reject the sentence recommended by the Crown and defence lawyers unless it was “so markedly out of line” it would cause the public to lose faith in the justice system.
10)Unsolved crime: New push for answers in deadly Highway 89 fail-to-remain crash in Innisfil that killed a mother of five
Courtesy Barrie360
By Ian MacLennan, July 13, 2026
Provincial police are renewing their appeal for information, one year after a mother of five died in a fail-to-remain crash in Innisfil.
Police say shortly after 3 a.m. on July 13, 2025, they found a deceased woman on the shoulder of Highway 89 near 5th Side Road.
The victim was identified as 35-year-old Jessica Follett of Richmond Hill.
11) Gravenhurst driver charged with impaired, stunt driving in Muskoka Lakes
Courtesy Barrie 360
By Ian MacLennan, July 14, 2026
Bracebridge OPP have charged a Gravenhurst woman with impaired driving and stunt driving.
On July 10, 2026, at around 3 p.m., police say an officer was conducting speed enforcement on Muskoka Road 169 in Torrance in Muskoka Lakes Township and stopped a vehicle for travelling “considerably higher than the posted speed limit.”
Police say the traffic stop soon became an impaired driving investigation, and a 35-year-old was charged with impaired driving, stunt driving, driving a vehicle with open liquor, and driving with cannabis readily available.
She has a court date next month.