Media Release – April 27, 2026

Employee punched, hair pulled out

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after an employee of a south-end business was punched and had her hair pulled out while attempting to stop two shoplifters Friday.

Just after 7 p.m. police were called to a business on Stone Road West. An employee had observed two people removing tags from products and placing them in their bags. The employee followed them from the store and confronted them about the stolen merchandise.

One of the subjects struck the employee several times in the face and pulled out a clump of hair. The employee’s glasses fell off during the altercation and were smashed by the second subject. A customer tried to assist the employee and was also assaulted. Neither victim required medical assistance.

The first subject was described as a white female with short dark hair, a grey hoodie, black winter jacket, grey track pants, black and white shoes and black Nike backpack and baseball cap. The second was described as a white female, with long purple hair, a blue coat, black pants and a backpack. Both were riding bicycles.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Mackenzie Sissing at 519-824-1212, ext. 7553, email msissing@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips. (Occurrence number GU26026603)

Arrest in $40k damage to business

A Kitchener man has been arrested after nearly $40,000 in damage was done to a Guelph business during a theft attempt.

The morning of January 26 the manager of a business near Edinburgh Road North and Willow Road contacted police after arriving at work in the morning to find the heating was not working. A technician attended and found extensive damage had been done to two of three rooftop units. It appeared copper wire valued at less than $100 had been cut and removed from one of the units.

The cost to repair each unit was estimated at $19,000.

Security video showed a man lowering a ladder from the roof approximately 3:15 a.m. and climbing down. The ladder and a reciprocating saw were left behind.

On Friday a 55-year-old Kitchener man was arrested for mischief over $5,000, disguise with intent, possessing break-in instruments and breaching a bail order. He will appear in bail court May 1. (Occurrence number GU26005853)

Arrest after fleeing from police

A Guelph man was arrested early Sunday after taking off from a Guelph Police Service officer.

Approximately 2:25 a.m. an officer was patrolling when he was flagged down and informed of someone who had fallen asleep in his vehicle at Willow Road and Hanlon Expressway. The officer pulled his cruiser behind the subject vehicle and activated his emergency lights.

The driver awoke and started driving. He pulled over briefly and then sped away. The officer located the vehicle a short time later in a west-end parking lot. The driver was located at a nearby address and arrested.

A 39-year-old Guelph man is charged with flight from police, failing to stop and novice driver having alcohol in his system. He will appear in court July 21. (Occurrence number GU26026925)

Bitcoin ATM damaged in break-in

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a Bitcoin ATM was damaged during a break-in early Friday to an east-end business.

Approximately 8:20 a.m. Friday police were called to a business near Speedvale Avenue East and Eramosa Road. Sometime overnight the glass front door was smashed to gain entry and a security camera was turned around. The Bitcoin machine was damaged, though it is not known if any theft occurred.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Sarah Huddleston at 519-824-1212, ext. 7350, email shuddleston@guelphpolice.ca, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips. (Occurrence number GU26026476)

Two stunt drivers taken off road

Two motorists were taken off the road in Guelph this weekend after being charged with stunt driving.

Just before 10:30 a.m. Friday a member of the Guelph Police Service Traffic Unit was patrolling on Speedvale Avenue East when he clocked a pickup travelling 98 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone.

The truck was pulled over and the driver, a 52-year-old Guelph man, was charged with stunt driving, speeding and refusing to provide identification.

At 3:40 a.m. Sunday an officer was patrolling in the area of Speedvale Avenue West and Silvercreek Parkway North when he observed a vehicle turning a corner very quickly, causing the tires to screech. The officer followed the vehicle, which made a quick left turn onto Edinburgh Road North. The driver lost control of the car, which left the road and collided with a tree and sign.

A 24-year-old Kitchener man is charged with careless driving, stunt driving and failing to stop for a red light. Both drivers had their licences suspended for 30 days and their vehicles impounded for 14 days. A stunt driving conviction will attract a minimum licence suspension of one year, a minimum fine of $2,000 and six demerit points. (Occurrence numbers GU26026502, GU26026932)

Total calls for service in the last 72 hours - 689