Possible explosives found inside RV after 16 hour standoff in Barrie, Ont. parking lot

Several apparent homemade explosive devices were found inside an RV where an allegedly armed man had barricaded himself for 16 hours, forcing evacuations in the north end of Barrie, police said.

Police responded to a weapons call in a Bayfield Street plaza parking lot near Heather Street late Tuesday morning.

“Police made contact with the male inside the vehicle just before noon. At that time, the male discharged a firearm,” the Barrie service stated.

No injuries were reported.

Tactical vehicles rammed the camper and officers surrounded it, as police called for the evacuation of the area, including homes and businesses.

As a precaution, a hold and secure was initiated at nearby schools.

The impacted areas included Chestnut Court, Rosedale Place, Aspen Drive, and portions of Springdale Drive and Farmingdale Crescent.

Workers at nearby businesses said the vehicle had been in the parking lot for at least a month.

The Barrie Police Services command unit arrives at a Bayfield Street plaza parking lot for a police investigation on Tues., Nov. 19 ,2024. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)

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Crisis negotiators were called to the scene along with emergency services, and Ontario Provincial Police officers were called in to offer relief as the situation continued throughout the evening.

The standoff went into the overnight hours, until the man surrendered to police around 4 a.m. Wednesday.

The Barrie Police Explosives Disposal Unit was called to investigate several apparent improvised explosive devices located inside an RV in a Bayfield Street parking lot in Barrie, Ont., on Wed., Nov. 20, 2024. (CTV News/Mike Arsalides)

Police said the man was taken into custody and then transported to receive medical attention.

Despite the early morning arrest, police said residents wouldn’t be able to return home until the area had been deemed safe following the discovery of the apparent explosives.

Still, police allowed nearby schools and businesses to reopen Wednesday morning as usual.

“All devices were safely and successfully neutralized or removed from the scene,” the Barrie service confirmed early Wednesday afternoon, adding the evacuation order had been lifted.

Police charged the man with weapons-related charges, among other offences.

Residents can expect a small presence at the scene on Bayfield Street throughout the day as the investigation continues.