Media Release – July 20, 2026
Arrest after hammer attack
A Guelph man faces assault and weapons charges after another man was attacked with a hammer early Sunday.
Approximately 2:20 a.m. police were alerted to a disturbance near Gordon Street and Waterloo Avenue. Two men were reportedly involved in an argument when one removed a hammer from his backpack and began swinging it, striking the other man a number of times.
The victim fled but was later located. He complained of minor defensive injuries but declined medical attention.
A 26-year-old Guelph man is charged with assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose. He was held for a bail hearing and has been released to appear in court August 21. (Occurrence number GU26047346)
Man arrested after break-in
A Guelph man was arrested after a bicycle was stolen from a downtown storage unit Friday.
At 10:15 p.m. a man was caught on video walking past the Wilson Street Parkade carrying a long metal pole. He tied a shirt over his face to conceal his identity before entering the parkade and using the pole to break open a bicycle storage room. He removed a bicycle and fled the area.
Approximately three hours later officers were on an unrelated call for service when they spotted the man and recognized him from the security video.
A 42-year-old Guelph man is charged with break and enter, disguise with intent and theft under $5,000. He will appear in court October 9. (Occurrence number GU26047094)
Jewelry stolen in distraction theft
Residents are urged to be cautious when approached by strangers after a woman had her jewelry stolen.
On Friday morning an east-end resident reported she was gardening in her front yard when a white SUV stopped in front of her home. A female passenger called the victim over before grabbing her hand and starting to pray in another language.
During the interaction the passenger put a necklace, bracelet and rings on the victim. When the parties left the victim noticed her own gold necklace and bracelet were missing.
The suspects were described as a possibly Indian man and woman in their 40s, both wearing white with the female passenger wearing a white hijab. They were driving a white SUV.
Anyone with information is asked to call Constable Dallas Baker at 519-824-1212, ext. 7217, or email dbaker@guelphpolice.ca.
Police services across Ontario have seen an increase in these distraction-type thefts. Typically older adults are approached by individuals in a vehicle and engaged in conversation, during which a female 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 or 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. (Occurrence number GU26046950)
Impaired charge after erratic driving
A Guelph man is charged with impaired driving and other offences after police observed a vehicle being driven erratically downtown Saturday morning.
Just before 2 a.m. an officer was patrolling downtown when he observed a vehicle mounting a curb at Wellington Street East and Wyndham Street South. The officer followed the car into the downtown and saw it driving through a stop sign. The driver then stopped next to a large group of pedestrians before revving the engine and causing the tires to squeal.
The car was pulled over on Norfolk Street and the driver noted to be showing signs of impairment. After failing a roadside breath test he 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 21-year-old Guelph man is charged with impaired driving, disobeying a stop sign, making an improper turn and other driving offences. His licence was suspended for 90 days and his vehicle was impounded for seven days. He will appear in court August 28.
The Guelph Police Service would like to encourage the public to be responsible if they choose to consume alcohol and cannabis. 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. (Occurrence number GU26047131)
Total calls for service in the last 72 hours - 678