Man charged with second-degree murder after deadly alleged assault in downtown Barrie

Officers arrest Justin Harris (L) in Barrie, Ont. on Fri., May 29, 2026 following an alleged assault at Five Points.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder after a deadly alleged assault in downtown Barrie Friday morning.

The accused, Justin Harris, is also charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

On Friday around 11:30 a.m., Barrie police were called to the Five Points area, at Bayfield Street and Dunlop Street West, after reports of an injured man lying on the ground.

• Man arrested in connection with homicide at Five Points

Officers discovered a 36-year-old Barrie man suffering from what investigators described as a stab wound. The victim was rushed to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, where he later died from his injuries.

Police say Harris interacted with the victim before the incident. They had initially referred to him as a “person of interest,” but later called him a “suspect” in the case.

Investigators used CCTV cameras in the downtown area for the investigation. Harris was arrested shortly after 2 p.m. on Friday at the intersection of Toronto Street and Dunlop Street West.

Police believe an edged weapon was used, but they have not released a motive or if the two men were known to each other.

The roads were closed for much of the day. Police say the investigation is ongoing.