Local Fraud & Crime: 1)Hit-and-run in The Blue Mountains leaves delivery driver hospitalized; 2)(Updated) 3 youths arrested, firearm seized following reported robbery at Maple Ridge Secondary School in Barrie; 3)Barrie police charge three boys in armed robbery at Maple Ridge Secondary School; 4)Three youths charged with arson following string of fires in Lefroy
1)Hit-and-run in The Blue Mountains leaves delivery driver hospitalized
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Julius Hern, February 1, 2026
Collingwood OPP are investigating a crash on Saturday night that has resulted in the hospitalization of a pedestrian in The Blue Mountains.
Around 8:30 p.m., officers were called for service on Grey Road 19 where a 43-year-old male pedestrian was struck with a vehicle, of which the driver failed to remain at the scene.
Police determined that the pedestrian, who was working as a food delivery driver, was crossing the road to fulfil an order when he was hit. He was eventually airlifted to a local trauma centre with serious injuries.
OPP says Grey Road 19 is currently closed between Craigleith Road and Birches Boulevard as it investigates.
They are also appealing to the driver who fled the scene to come forward and contact the detachment, as well as any potential witnesses or holders of dashcam footage from the area at teh time of the incident.
2)(Updated) 3 youths arrested, firearm seized following reported robbery at Maple Ridge Secondary School in Barrie
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 2, 2026
Barrie police confirm to Barrie 360 that three males, all of them minors, were arrested, and a firearm was seized after officers responded to a report of a robbery at Maple Ridge Secondary School in the city’s south end on Monday morning.
Police said the weapon was seized on school property.
No other suspects are being sought.
No injuries were reported.
There is no word about any charges.
A lockdown at the school, in the area of Prince William Way and Mapleview Drive East, was eventually lifted.
A spokesperson for the Simcoe County District School Board told Barrie 360 that more information will be shared with families.
3)Barrie police charge three boys in armed robbery at Maple Ridge Secondary School
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 3, 2026
Three teen boys – ages 15, 16, and 17 – have been charged in connection with an armed robbery at Maple Ridge Secondary School in Barrie.
Police responded to the school on Prince William Way at Mapleview Drive East around 9:30 Monday morning. When officers arrived, the school was placed in lockdown, and three suspects were arrested at the scene. During the investigation, police said officers recovered a handgun.
The school was placed in a hold-and-secure around 1 p.m. to allow officers to search for additional evidence, and students were dismissed at their regular time.
Two of the accused have been charged with:
The third male has been charged with:
Their identities are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“Barrie police understand that this event may cause concern within the community. We want to assure the public there is no ongoing safety threat. Our officers remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all students and staff,” police said in a news release on Tuesday. “We thank the school community and parents for their cooperation and support during this investigation.”
4)Three youths charged with arson following string of fires in Lefroy
Courtesy Barrie360.com
By Ian MacLennan, February 3, 2026
South Simcoe Police have charged three youths, aged 15 and 16, in connection with a string of fires that occurred last fall in Lefroy.
At around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, 2025, emergency services responded to a structure fire on Hofland Street, near Kilarney Beach Road. While officers were on the scene, they heard an explosion near the Morgan Russell Memorial Arena and Community Centre, which was traced to the skate park. Police said investigators recovered a 25-litre fuel can and fireworks. Parts of the skate park sustained damage, while the Hofland Street fire caused significant destruction to the former fire hall.
Surveillance footage from the area captured three male suspects carrying a 25-litre gas can at the time of the incicent.
Police said the accused have been charged with break and enter, arson, and mischief under $5,000.
“The South Simcoe Police Service would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in this investigation,” police said in a news release on Tuesday.