A Barrie Police constable has been charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm following a disturbance call on June 8, 2026. The 38-year-old officer, who has 11 years of policing experience and joined the Barrie force in 2024, was investigated internally by the service’s Professional Standards Unit after the incident was brought to the attention of Police Chief Rich Johnston.
Chief Johnston initiated a chief’s complaint, which led the Professional Standards Unit to lay the charges. Police have not released details about the nature of the alleged assault or the identity of the victim. The officer has been reassigned to duties that do not involve contact with the public while the court process unfolds.
Barrie Police spokesperson Kim Phillips said the officer’s name cannot be made public until the charges are formally sworn before the courts. That step was expected to happen within a day or two of June 15. Few other details have been provided, with police saying the matter is now before the courts.
Chief Johnston has been with the Barrie Police Service since 1998 and began his policing career with the OPP in Northern Ontario in 1997. He has emphasized accountability and evidence-based policing during his tenure.
