Huge police presence in west Orillia as helicopters, dogs and on-ground resources try to track down suspect

There remains a large police presence around Tim Hortons on Westmount Drive after a man died in the parking lot following an altercation on a nearby trail. Dave Dawson/OrilliaMatters

1 / 1 There remains a large police presence around Tim Hortons on Westmount Drive after a man died in the parking lot following an altercation on a nearby trail. Dave Dawson/OrilliaMatters

One man is dead and OPP helicopters, a canine unit and "on-ground resources" are scouring the west end of Orillia for a suspect after an altercation on a trail turned deadly Monday morning.

OPP Sgt. Peter Leon confirmed to OrilliaMatters that a man who showed "obvious signs of injury" was discovered in the parking lot of the Tim Hortons on Westmount Drive just after 7:30 a.m. this morning.

When OPP arrived on scene, firefighters and County of Simcoe paramedics were attending to the man and attempted CPR. "Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead at the scene," said Leon.

"We are now dealing with a death investigation that is very much in the early stages being overseen by Detective Inspector Matt Watson of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch," said Leon.

He said uniformed resources, forensic identification services, aviation services, a tactical and rescue unit in addition to the canine unit and officers from the Central Region Emergency Response Team are on site.

He said it appears two men had an altercation on the trail just north of Tim Hortons early this morning.

"There is a male currently outstanding," said Leon, noting officers are trying to get information so they can release a description of the suspect.

As to if the incident could become a murder investigation, Leon said they would have to await the results of the post-mortem examination to make any such conclusions.

He urged people in the area to stay away from the scene; both Tim Hortons and the Highwayman Inn have been shut down while the investigation unfolds.

He also urged people to be mindful of their safety.

"We are dealing with a very serious incident that has taken place," said Leon, noting people should call 911 if they see anyone or anything out of the ordinary.

"At the present time, there is no indication as to where the other person or persons could be at this point," said Leon, noting it "appears to be an isolated incident at this time."