Charges laid after 700-plus take part in unsanctioned Barrie truck rally

Barrie Police have laid dozens of charges following an unsanctioned weekend truck rally involving more than 700 people.

On Saturday, authorities said Barrie Police Traffic Officers were assisted by officers from the South Simcoe Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police in responding to stunt driving in the parking lot of Bayfield Mall.

Police said between 500 and 600 vehicles were present, with more than 700 people in attendance. There were 29 Highway Traffic Act violations, stunt driving charges, and thousands of dollars in damage to the parking lot.

There is also a hit-and-run being investigated by local officers that occurred in the Bayfield Street and Coulter Street area.

“The Barrie Police Service reminds those that may be considering attending large, unsanctioned events like this that officers work closely with the owners of the large parking lots throughout the city of Barrie,” a police spokesperson said.

“Officers are able to act on behalf of the property owners to remove trespassers. Officers will have a visible presence at any future events of this nature, and attendees can be assured that officers will be gathering information and will follow up with charges for those responsible for damage to property, or unsafe driving behaviours.”