On Tuesday afternoon, the man was walking through the area with three adult family members when a 30-year-old male approached the group while yelling incoherently.

The stranger then produced a bladed weapon police describe as a large machete and began swinging it about in a violent manner. The victim, in his mid-30s, was struck in the back.

“We’re very thankful that he was wearing a heavier coat that protected him somewhat, though he did receive a minor injury,” a police spokesperson told the Barrie Compass.

In the aftermath, two of the victims family members jumped into action. “They pinned [the assailant] to the ground and were able to subdue him until police arrived.”

The perpetrator was then taken to  police headquarters where he was charged with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

According to police, the attacker had no fixed address and had been living in the area.

While Police did not discuss the motive for the attack, the spokesperson dismissed the notion there had been murderous intent.

“There were some underlying issues with the individual and his personal well-being that factored in [to his actions].”

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