Gunfire suspect considered missing - cops
Fredericton police say there are concerns for well-being of city resident Darrell Richard Barnes, 52, who’s also wanted on warrant of arrest for failure to attend court last month
A Fredericton man for whom there’s an arrest warrant out for a no-show in court last month is now considered a missing person, police report, and there are concerns for his safety.
The Fredericton Police Force issued an advisory social media Monday about Darrell Richard Barnes, 52, of Brunswick Street, reporting that he’s gone missing.
“Police have made several attempts to locate him without success, and there are concerns for his well-being,” the alert said.
Though the police advisory didn’t mention it, Barnes is known to suffer from mental-health issues.
He faces RCMP charges of discharging a rifle at Dustin Madden with intent to wound him or endanger his life, pointing a rifle at Madden, possessing the rifle without a licence, and possessing stolen social insurance and Visa cards, all on Oct. 3, 2023, in Geary.
Barnes has undergone psychiatric assessments in the case, and he’s been deemed fit to stand trial and not exempt from criminal responsibility due to a mental disorder at the time of his alleged offences.
Those assessment orders and repeated failures to attend court have led to lengthy delays in the case, and he’s yet to elect mode of trial or enter pleas.
He last turned up in court Jan. 7 - a day late - on the case, and he was ordered to reappear before a provincial court judge Jan. 15. However, Barnes didn’t appear in court on that date.
Anyone who has been in contact with him or has information on his whereabouts is urged to call Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.
Tipsters can cite police file no. 25-1092.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.