Vehicle explosion confirmed in Barrie parking lot, improvised explosive device located

Barrie police say residents were asked to take shelter early on Wednesday morning after an improvised explosive device was detonated on a vehicle in a parking lot.

Investigators arrived at the Anne Street and Edgehill Drive area shortly after 3 a.m. on Wednesday after receiving several 9-1-1 calls.

Barrie police said officers responded to a report of an explosion at the parking lot of a lowrise apartment building in the area. Fire officials located a vehicle that had partially exploded just before 3 a.m., and police discovered an improvised explosive device in a nearby garden.

An immediate evacuation of the area was then ordered. No injuries were reported.

Authorities believe the improvised explosive device was placed on the car, and a portion of the device did not detonate and became dislodged. Sometime around 8:30 a.m., the Barrie Police Explosive Disposal Unit was able to remotely detonate part of the device, which was found about 10-12 feet away from the car that exploded.

There are five highrise apartment buildings, a retirement home and several homes located nearby. Barrie police said the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) canine unit searched the area and found no other explosive devices. Investigators mentioned no suspects.

Barrie police enforced several road closures in the area that were in place for several hours on Wednesday morning. Corporate Communications Coordinator Peter Leon said the investigation is ongoing but thanked locals for their patience and understanding.

“Detectives will be diligently working to identify the person(s) responsible for this senseless act of criminal behaviour,” Leon said.

“The Barrie Police Service recognizes that today’s incident has impacted many people who reside in the area and use the streets that had to be closed, and we wish to thank our community for their patience as this at-scene investigation was conducted.”