Media Release – April 17, 2026

Arrest after replica firearm spotted

A Guelph man faces several charges after he was found in possession of a replica firearm downtown.

Approximately 11:30 a.m. Thursday a passerby called police after witnessing a man removing a gun from his backpack and showing it to another man on Wyndham Street North. Officers observed video footage from the area and were able to identify the suspect.

Two hours later the man was spotted near Quebec Street and Baker Street and arrested. A replica firearm was recovered. Investigation revealed the man is bound by a probation order and three lifetime weapons prohibitions.

A 48-year-old Guelph man is charged with possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, breaching a probation order and three counts of breaching a weapons prohibition. He was held for a bail hearing Friday. (Occurrence number GU26024534)

Man arrested after LCBO robbery

A man has been arrested after a customer was sprayed in the face with a noxious substance while attempting to stop a theft from a Guelph LCBO last summer.

Just before 6 p.m. August 20, 2025, four men entered the LCBO on Scottsdale Drive and began placing product into shopping bags. As they walked out a customer attempted to stop one of the men, but was sprayed in the face by another suspect. The stolen product was valued at more than $4,600.

The suspects were identified through investigation. On Thursday one of them was arrested by another police service and returned to Guelph.

A 31-year-old man is charged with assault with a weapon, administering a noxious substance and theft under $5,000. He was held for a bail hearing Friday. The investigation is ongoing. (Occurrence number GU25054432)

Impersonating brother leads to charge

Impersonating his older brother during a traffic stop has led to a criminal charge for a Guelph man.

Just after 2 a.m. Thursday a Guelph Police Service officer pulled over a car on Gordon Street because its rear lights were not illuminated. The driver said he didn’t have his licence but provided a verbal identification. The officer queried the name in the Ministry of Transportation database and believed the driver resembled the file photo.

Several Highway Traffic Act tickets were issued, but during follow-up investigation the officer determined the driver had provided his brother’s name and was actually bound by three different licence suspensions.

A 21-year-old Guelph man was arrested Thursday night for obstructing police, three counts of driving while suspended and other offences. He will appear in court July 7. (Occurrence number GU26024643)

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 249