Barrie man in ‘life-threatening’ condition after overnight stabbing, suspect identified

The scene of an overnight stabbing in Barrie, Ont., on Sat., April 11, 2026. (Source: Barrie Police Service/Facebook)

Police in Barrie are investigating an early Saturday morning stabbing in the central part of the city that resulted in the victim sustaining serious injuries.

According to the Barrie Police Service (BPS), officers responded to a report just after midnight about a man who was stabbed near Anne Street North and Donald Street.

Police say a 43-year-old Barrie man was found nearby in ‘life-threatening’ condition. He was then hospitalized locally before being air-lifted to a Toronto trauma centre.

Roads in the area were closed at the onset of the incident. They reopened at around 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning.

The suspect

The BPS Canine Unit and Forensic Identification Unit were involved in the initial response. The investigation has begun, and the BPS Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) says it has identified a 28-year-old Barrie man as a suspect.

The service shared photos of the suspect in a social media post. He faces charges of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault with a weapon, and aggravated assault.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident and anyone with dashcam or surveillance footage that may help the ongoing investigation to come forward.

Anyone who sees the 28-year-old suspect is urged to avoid approaching him, and to contact police immediately.