FROM: Corporate Communications
DATE: January 28, 2026
MEDIA RELEASE UPDATE
ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION TO BRADFORD RETAIL ROBBERY AND ASSAULT
(BRADFORD, ON) – This update follows a media release issued on January 5, 2026, and an update issued on January 21, 2026, regarding the South Simcoe Police investigation into the January 4, 2026, incident involving a robbery and a person assaulted at Walmart in the Town of Bradford.
On January 27, 2026, one of the suspects, Edward Austin HARROD was arrested by the Barrie Police Service on an unrelated matter. The Barrie Police Service assisted the South Simcoe Police Service Crime Against Persons (CAP) Unit by executing the arrest warrant, and as a result, Edward Austin HARROD has been charged with the following offences:
• Robbery with Weapon,
• Theft Under $5000,
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose,
• Carrying Concealed Weapon,
• Possession Property Obtained by Crime,
• Administer Noxious Thing with Intent to Endanger Life or Cause Bodily Harm,
• Assault with a Weapon,
• Assault Cause Bodily Harm.
The accused has been held pending a bail hearing.
The second suspect is currently wanted on the related charges in connection to the same retail robbery and assault incident. Investigators have released his image and are appealing to the public for information on his whereabouts. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous. Members of the public are advised not to approach him and to contact police immediately.
WANTED: Cody Wayne SMITH, 30-year-old, has no fixed address and frequents the Barrie and Angus area.
CHARGES: Robbery with Weapon, Theft Under $5000, Possession Property Obtained by Crime.
The South Simcoe Police Service is asking anyone with information to contact the CAP Unit at 905-775-3311 ext. 1461 or via email at investigations@southsimcoepolice.ca. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). You can submit information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
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Media Contact: Samah Othman, Corporate Communications Specialist
Email: samah.othman@southsimcoepolice.ca
