Media Release – April 9, 2026

Witnesses sought after altercation

The Guelph Police Service is looking for witnesses after an altercation Wednesday afternoon between a motorist and a pedestrian.

At 3:30 p.m. a man was crossing Victoria Road South at York Road when he was approached by the driver of a vehicle making a right turn. The driver stopped his vehicle in traffic, exited the car and a physical altercation occurred resulting in injuries to the pedestrian.

Police are looking for any witnesses that may have seen the incident or who may have dash cam video. Anyone with information is asked to email Constable Mike Powell at mpowell@guelphpolice.ca (Occurrence GU26022610)

Another distraction theft attempt

The Guelph Police Service is investigating the latest attempted distraction theft targeting older adults.

Wednesday afternoon a Guelph man in his 70s reported a suspicious interaction. He said at 2:25 p.m. he was walking through the parking lot at Willow West Mall when he was approached by a man driving an older grey SUV. The driver began speaking to the complainant and opened his hand to reveal a gold chain with a pendant.

The complainant declined and the man drove away. He was described as being in his late 40s or 50s with light brown or tanned skin.

Police services across Ontario have seen an increase in distraction-type thefts. Typically older adults are approached by individuals in a vehicle and engaged in conversation, during which a passenger will attempt to initiate physical contact by hugging or attempting to place jewelry on the victim. Afterwards the victim realizes their jewelry has been stolen.

Offenders may appear friendly, well‑spoken, or apologetic, and often try to keep the interaction moving quickly to prevent the victim from reacting.

Offenders target moments when attention is divided such as in grocery store or mall parking lots, on sidewalks or near store entrances, while entering or exiting vehicles, when carrying groceries or other items.

Residents should be extremely cautious when approached by individuals not known to them. Try to avoid physical contact and note any identifying information, such as physical descriptions and licence plates.  

Anyone with information about Wednesday’s incident is asked to call Detective Constable Cecilia Hudecki at 519-824-1212, ext. 7215, email chudecki@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 GU26022569)

Camaro stolen from parking lot

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a Chevy Camaro was stolen from a west-end parking lot.

A Guelph man reported he went shopping approximately 8 p.m. at a business near Paisley Road and Elmira Road South. When he came back out less than an hour later his black 2018 Camaro was missing from the parking lot. The vehicle has a patch of paint missing near the front passenger-side wheel.

Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Amanda Anderson at 519-824-1212, ext. 7282, email aanderson@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 GU26022669)

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours - 232