Arrest after four strangers attacked
A Guelph man faces four counts of assault with a weapon after four strangers were attacked in separate incidents Friday.
Just before 11 a.m. the subject was outside a business on Baker Street when he struck another male in the face with a rod, causing an injury. Staff from the business intervened and tried to deescalate the man, but he struck a second victim in the face with the rod.
The subject fled the area, but a short time later was involved in an altercation with another passerby, raising his guitar over his head in a threatening manner.
Approximately an hour later police were called to a business on Silvercreek Parkway North. A man was shopping in the store when he was approached by another man, who briefly spoke to him and then repeatedly swung a rod at his head. The victim was able to duck and was instead struck on the shoulder and forearm, causing an injury.
A 46-year-old Guelph man was arrested for four counts of assault with a weapon and one count of assault causing bodily harm. He was held for a bail hearing Monday.
Multiple vehicle thefts and attempts
The Guelph Police Service is investigating after three vehicles were stolen and an attempt was made on a fourth over the weekend.
Just before 5 p.m. Friday, staff from a dealership on Woodlawn Road West reported a 2023 Dodge Durango SRT missing from their lot. Earlier in the day an employee had discovered a second Durango SRT with a broken window and damage to the dashboard, however the missing vehicle was not discovered for several more hours.
The missing vehicle is described as grey with black and red stripes over the top. It was unplated and likely had the window smashed to gain entry.
Just after midnight Saturday morning police were called to a different business on Woodlawn Road West. The complainant advised he and his wife were seeing a movie and when they came outside their black 2024 Mazda CX90 was missing.
Just before 1 p.m. Saturday, a resident of Westwood Road reported his black 2017 Honda Civic had been stolen from the parking lot of his apartment building.
Anyone with information about these thefts is asked to call the Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.
The Guelph Police Service encourages residents to take steps to protect themselves from auto theft. This can include parking indoors when possible or in well-lit areas, ensuring vehicle doors and windows are closed and locked, employing anti-theft devices to prevent vehicles from being started or steered and using devices to block signals from electronic keys. Please report suspicious activity around unattended vehicles, especially during overnight hours.
Arrest after manager spat on
A Guelph woman has been arrested in connection with an incident late last year during which two people spat in the face of an employee trying to stop a theft.
Just before 2 p.m. December 22, the manager of a business near Woodlawn Road and Woolwich Street tried to remove a woman who had earlier been banned from the store. He had observed her concealing items.
As he walked her to the exit, the victim was approached by a second male who shoved him. Both subjects spat in the manager’s face before fleeing on foot.
On Sunday evening a 39-year-old Guelph woman was located downtown and arrested for robbery. She will appear in court March 25. The investigation is ongoing.
Drug and property charges
A Guelph woman faces drug and property charges after she was located in a vehicle Saturday morning.
Just before 11 a.m. police were called for a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot near Woolwich Street and Speedvale Avenue. Officers approached and noted a woman who appeared to be asleep and a baggie with white powder in the vehicle.
The woman was awakened and arrested for possession of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle revealed quantities of suspected fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine, as well as several fake driver’s licences in various names and a stolen credit card.
A 41-year-old Guelph woman is charged with two counts of possessing controlled substances, possessing forged documents, possessing a stolen credit card and failing to comply with an undertaking. She will appear in court March 21.
Two impaired arrests
Two motorists were charged with impaired driving on the weekend, including one not old enough to legally drink.
Approximately 11:25 p.m. Saturday police were called by a west-end resident who advised her teenage son had been drinking and had just shoved her and took her pickup. Officers located the vehicle in a ditch just outside the city.
While speaking to the driver, officers noted a strong odour of alcohol on his breath. He was arrested and transported to the police station, where tests confirmed he had more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system. A 17-year-old is charged with impaired driving.
Just after midnight Monday morning, an officer observed a vehicle stopped in the exit from a licensed establishment on Silvercreek Parkway North. The driver waited a couple of minutes, then accelerated out of the driveway at a high rate of speed.
The officer followed the vehicle and pulled it over. While speaking to the driver the officer immediately detected a strong odour of alcohol on his breath. After failing a roadside breath test the male was arrested and transported to the police station, where further testing confirmed he had more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system. A 23-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired driving and driving without a licence.
Both accused had their licences suspended for 90 days and their vehicles impounded for seven days. They were released with upcoming court dates.
The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to always consume alcohol and cannabis responsibly. Please don’t drive if you are going to consume alcohol or cannabis, and please ensure that you plan ahead so that you have a safe ride home. Anyone who spots a suspected impaired driver is asked to immediately call 911.
Total calls for service in the last 72 hours – 714
