Woman's face sprayed during attempted purse-snatching in Barrie parking lot
Police in Barrie are on the lookout for a man accused of spraying a substance into a woman's face and attempting to steal her purse.
The alleged incident happened on Thursday around 6:40 p.m. in the parking lot at 555 Essa Road near the Dollarama.
Police say she was putting her groceries into her car when a man approached her and sprayed something in her face.
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They say his attempt to take her purse was unsuccessful, and witnesses told officers the man had gotten out of the passenger side of a white car that took off southbound on Essa Road.
Officers canvassed nearby businesses for video surveillance, but none was located.
Police are looking for a white man in his 30s, who wore a grey hoodie and dark sunglasses.
They also hope to speak with anyone who was in the plaza on Essa Road and saw anything suspicious that could assist with the investigation.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the Barrie Police Criminal Investigations Division and ask to speak with Det. Const. Mulhall at extension 2561 or Det. van Schubert at extension 2669.
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