Special Investigations Unit says conducted energy weapon was deployed in backyard pursuit early Friday morning

The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) says the 29-year-old man involved in an “interaction” with Barrie police early this morning has died. 

According to preliminary information from the SIU, Barrie police officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Dunlop Street West and Frances Street around 3:30 a.m. on Friday, March 6. 

During the stop, officers learned that a male passenger was wanted on an arrest warrant, according to the SIU. The man fled the vehicle and officers pursued him on foot. 

“In the backyard of a residence on Frances Street, there was an interaction between the man and officers, which included the deployment of a conducted energy weapon,” the agency stated in a release. “The man went vital signs absent.”

First-aid was administered and the man was transported to hospital where he was pronounced dead, according to the SIU.

Three investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

The SIU is asking anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529 or online.

Earlier today, Barrie police said they had pulled over a suspected impaired driver at around 3 a.m. on Dunlop Street West between Frances Street North and Eccles Street North.

The driver, a 25-year-old woman, has been charged with operation of a motor vehicle while impaired (blood-alcohol concentration 80 plus). However, police say a 29-year-old male passenger fled the scene.

Dunlop Street West was closed from Frances Street North to Eccles Street North. Frances Street North was also closed from Dunlop Street West to Henry Street.