OPP investigating violent home invasion near Simcoe

One person is in custody and the search continues for two more suspects following a violent home invasion in Norfolk County that provincial police believe was targeted.

Officers were called to a residence on Charlotteville Road 10, southwest of Simcoe, just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, OPP say.

Const. Ed Sanchuk says three suspects, allegedly armed with a handgun, forcibly gained entry to a shop located on the property.

One person suffered minor injuries after being assaulted by the suspects inside, according to police.

Sanchuk says all three suspects then entered a vehicle and fled from the area in an unknown direction. This prompted OPP to call in its tactics and rescue unit, emergency response team, canine unit, Norfolk County crime unit and crisis negotiators to assist with the investigation.

The attack was not random, police said.

One person was taken into custody without incident.

A 33-year-old man, identified as Johan Wall of Norfolk County, is facing charges including break and enter, robbery using a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Two other suspects are currently outstanding, and officers are making attempts to locate both individuals.

Police say an arrest warrant has been issued for John Jacob Griffioen, 38, of Woodstock, Ont., who is described as approximately six feet tall with a medium build, weighing 185 pounds, with short blond hair and blue eyes.

A third suspect is described as female, heavier set, approximately five feet four inches tall, with dark hair and brown eyes, wearing a light-coloured shirt and dark pants.

“There’s no threat to public safety, but we are asking any residents living in the area to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling the OPP,” said Sanchuk.

Highway 3 was closed between Highway 59 and Schafer Side Road for roughly eight hours, reopening early Thursday morning.