After continuing through the night, police have reduced their search in Oro-Medonte for two men suspected of holding up a convenience store in Tiny Township yesterday.

But OPP will maintain their presence there, and have a warning for residents in the area.

“Do not approach these individuals,” says OPP Sgt. Peter Leon. “Contact police immediately.”

OPP began pursuing two men after an armed robbery at the Wymbolwood Beach Store in Tiny just before 2 p.m. yesterday. Two men allegedly took off with cash after threatening the clerk there with a gun. They then fled in a blue Dodge Caravan police say was stolen from Leamington, near the border with Detroit, the day before.

After colliding with a police cruiser during the pursuit, the two men abandoned the van and fled into the rural area north of Barrie. Police immediately cordoned off an area bordered by Highway 93, Old Barrie Road West, Oro-Medonte Line 2 and Ski Trails Road.

Police searched into early this morning, but Leon says the conditions have made it difficult. He says the area is rife with ponds, thick foliage, and crops at their peak height. Police have now pulled back on their ground search, but will maintain a presence there, he says. He is urging residents to watch for missing vehicles, missing clothing, suspicious people on their property, or anything out of place.

“Whenever there is an incident like this, the OPP work very closely to ensure the public safety,” Leon says. “We are asking if anyone sees a person or persons that do not appear to be from that area to contact police right away. And not to approach them.”

As of now police have the Dodge Caravan at headquarters and forensics investigators are going through it. Last night, an officer was taken to RVH with minor injuries from the collision with the van.

One suspect is described as white, 5'5", thin with short strawberry blond hair and between 18 and 21 years old. The second suspect is described as white, 5'8", medium build with short brown hair and 18 to 21 years old. Police say it is unknown if either man is injured after the collision with the OPP cruiser.

----
Updated from the version below, Sept. 11, 11 a.m.

There is a massive search underway in Oro-Medonte.

The area bordered by Highway 93, Old Barrie Road West, Oro-Medonte Line 2 and Ski Trails Road has been cordoned off by police.

OPP are looking for two suspects they say fled after crashing a stolen car. Police believe the pair was involved in a robbery at the Wymbolwood Beach Store in Tiny Township and then fled in a stolen car. Investigators say there was a collision between the car and an OPP cruiser, and an officer was taken to RVH with minor injuries.

Police say two men went into the convenience story just before 2 p.m. today and allegedly robbed the clerk at gunpoint. They made off with some money and got away in a stolen blue Dodge Caravan police say was taken from Leamington, Ont. last night.

The search now has police warning residents in the area to lock their doors, stay inside, and report any suspicious activity. The suspects are two men wearing jeans but no shirts. Tactical officers are on-scene. A Durham Regional Police chopper is helping in the search.

As the search began, nearby WR Best Memorial Public School on Old Barrie Road was put into hold-and-secure. No one was allowed in or out of the school, but students were safe and were sent home by bus just after 4 p.m., the Simcoe County District School Board says.

Police say their pursuit started near Waverly before there was a collision between Old Barrie Road and Ski Trails Road. That’s when the suspects ran way. Police say corn fields, forests, and the heat are making the investigation more difficult.

One suspect is described as white, 5'5", thin with short strawberry blond hair and between 18 and 21 years old. The second suspect is described as white, 5'8", medium build with short brown hair and 18 to 21 years old. Police say it is unknown if either man is injured after the collision with the OPP cruiser.