Barrie man accused of stabbing police officer denied bail

A Barrie man accused of assaulting a police officer in late September, which then became the topic of conversation in parliament last week, has been denied bail.

Nick Vassilodimitrakis, 39, was arrested on September 29 at the McDonald's on Bayfield Street, where police said officers were called following reports of a man armed with a knife.

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Police said after the man was escorted from the restaurant, an officer was stabbed and suffered serious injuries to the knee and bicep. The knee laceration, police said, resulted in significant blood loss and required a tourniquet.

According to the Barrie Police Association, Const. Jim Peters is a veteran officer. He is recovering from his injuries and expected to return to work later this month.

Conservative MP for Barrie-Springwater-Oro-Medonte Doug Shipley addressed the stabbing in parliament last week.

Shipley said the "Barrie police officer was stabbed while on duty by a repeat violent offender, who was on probation at the time of the stabbing," adding, "This rampant crime and chaos must end."

Shipley continued, "Over the past two years, this accused individual has been arrested and released 17 times and has had over 100 interactions with the Barrie Police Service."

Shipley said he and his conservative colleagues "will continue to advocate for strict bail rules that will ensure repeat offenders remain behind bars."

Vassilodimitrakis has a lengthy criminal record, according to court documents, and has struggled for years with his mental health.

He is charged with weapons-related offences, plus assault with intent to resist, and four counts of failing to comply with his probation.

The allegations against the accused have not been tested in court.