The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been called in to investigate the death of a woman in her 20s on Highway 26 last night.
Investigators are reaching out to the public for help identifying the woman, who was with a dog and was wearing an orange jump suit.
According to information released by the SIU, OPP received a report from a civilian last night at 10:48 p.m., Sept. 15, indicating there was a woman with a dog standing on Highway 26 near Carson Road waving her arms.
A minute later, an off-duty Barrie police officer in the area called OPP, this time reporting the vehicle in front of him had attempted to avoid something lying on the road.
The vehicle in front of the Barrie police officer was being driven by an OPP officer, according to the SIU.
The Barrie police officer and the OPP officer found a woman lying on the road and performed first-aid, but the woman died at the scene.
The dog was found dead off the road, reports the SIU.
Monica Hudon, communications spokesperson for the SIU, confirmed the woman was struck, but it's unclear by what vehicle.
"At this stage of the investigation, we don't know how the woman was struck or what vehicle struck her," stated Hudon. "That is one of the things investigators will seek to get answered."
The SIU mandate is to investigate reports involving police where there has been death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.
A Barrie police spokesperson directed questions to OPP because the incident happened in their jurisdiction.
Police have closed Bayfield Street/Highway 26 between Hanmer Street in Barrie and Carson Road in Springwater Township for the investigation. Traffic is heavier than normal around Carson Road and Anne Street as motorist go around the investigation scene
The SIU has assigned five investigators and three forensic investigators to the case.
Investigators are appealing to the community for assistance to identify the woman, who is believed to be in her mid-20s. She was wearing an orange jumpsuit and was with a dog.
The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about the woman’s identity, or this investigation, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-787-8529. The Unit is also urging anyone who may have any video evidence related to this incident to upload that video through the SIU website.
