Assault-style rifle seized, man arrested

A Guelph man faces weapons charges after Guelph Police Service officers recovered an assault-style rifle from an apartment near downtown Tuesday afternoon.

Officers attended an address near Wellington Street West and Gordon Street after receiving information that a resident was in possession of a firearm. Approximately 1:40 p.m. the man was arrested in the hallway of the building.

During the investigation officers located a bag outside the building which contained a Derya Arms .22-calibre rifle with a loaded extended magazine.

“Our community has seen a disturbing number of firearm-related offences in recent weeks. This presents increased risks for our citizens and our members,” said Chief Gord Cobey.  “We continue to work diligently to identify and disrupt those involved in illegal activities to prevent further incidents and keep our neighbourhoods safe.”

A 24-year-old Guelph man is charged with possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm. He was held for a bail hearing Wednesday.