Media Release – March 9, 2026

Replica firearm draws large response

A replica firearm drew a significant police response to a north-end neighborhood Friday morning.

Approximately 10:35 a.m. police were notified of a man with a firearm inside a residence near Woolwich Street and Marilyn Drive. Approximately 10 officers – including members of the Tactics and Rescue Unit – surrounded the residence.

A short time later a man exited and was taken into custody. A search of the apartment revealed a black replica firearm. The man was released without charges and cautioned on the dangers of having replica firearms, which can easily be confused with real ones. It was later turned over for destruction. (Occurrence number GU26014813) 

Four arrested in trafficking investigation

Four people face drug trafficking charges after officers executed search warrants at three addresses and seized approximately $15,000 worth of cocaine.

Earlier this year the Guelph Police Service Drug Enforcement Unit began an investigation into a man believed to be trafficking controlled substances. Search warrants were obtained and executed last Thursday morning at addresses on Imperial Road North, Woolwich Street and Kent Street.

During the searches officers located cocaine valued at approximately $15,000 as well as smaller amounts of suspected crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl and prescription opioids.

Three men and a woman between the ages of 24 and 36 are each charged with possessing controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking. Three have been released on bail to return to court March 20 while the fourth, a 36-year-old Guelph man, will appear in bail court March 16. (Occurrence number GU26014794) 

$198k lost in crypto scam

Residents are reminded to be cautious when dealing with unknown individuals after a Guelph man lost $198,000 in a cryptocurrency scam.

On Sunday a Guelph woman called to report the loss. She explained her father, in his 60s, had previously been the victim of fraud. In late 2025 he was contacted by an individual who was aware of the earlier fraud and claimed he could help the victim recoup his losses.

The man made a series of transfers from his bank account to a supposed credit company. When the father later became ill his daughter took over his affairs and discovered the fraud.

Residents are encouraged to be wary of any telephone call, email or text which requires you to take immediate action. It is always best to independently contact the supposed sender and confirm the legitimacy of the correspondence before taking action.

Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. Even if no financial loss has been sustained, interactions can still be reported to the CAFC. (Occurrence number GU26015279) 

Arrest after three unprovoked assaults

A Guelph man faces charges after three people were assaulted early Thursday morning.

Approximately 7 a.m. police were called to a business near Gordon Street and Wellington Street West. Investigation revealed a woman was inside a nearby social service agency a short time earlier when a man threw a coffee pot at her, causing her to be splashed with hot coffee.

The man left the agency and walked to a nearby business, where he confronted two men and spat in their faces. Officers arrived a short time later and arrested the man after a brief struggle. The attacks appeared unprovoked.

A 51-year-old Guelph man is charged with three counts of assault and two counts of breaching probation orders. He was held for a bail hearing Monday. (Occurrence number GU26014548) 

Two Highlanders stolen

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after two Toyota Highlanders were stolen over the weekend.

Just before 9 a.m. Sunday, a resident of Silvercreek Parkway North reported his silver 2019 Highlander had been stolen overnight from the parking lot of his apartment building.

At 4:55 p.m. Sunday police were called to the parking lot of Stone Road Mall. A Hamilton man was leaving the mall with some friends when they saw someone inside the victim’s grey 2024 Grand Highlander, which was driven quickly out of the lot. The suspect was described as a black male in his 30s and wearing a dark hoodie and sunglasses.

Officers reviewed security camera footage which appeared to show two males arriving in the lot in a white Audi SUV.

Both thefts remain under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the Guelph Police Service at 519-824-1212, leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.

The Guelph Police Service encourages residents to take steps to protect themselves from auto theft. This can include parking indoors when possible or in well-lit areas, ensuring vehicle doors and windows are closed and locked, employing anti-theft devices to prevent vehicles from being started or steered and using devices to block signals from electronic keys. Please report suspicious activity around unattended vehicles, especially during overnight hours. (Occurrence numbers GU26015246, GU26015317) 

Total calls for service in the last 72 hours - 651