The Guelph Police Service arrested a 24-year-old man and seized an assault-style rifle on February 24, 2026, after receiving a report of a person with a weapon in Guelph, Ontario. Officers went to an apartment building near Wellington Street West and Gordon Street following a tip that a resident was in possession of a firearm. The man was located and taken into custody in a hallway of the building at approximately 1:40 p.m.
During the investigation, officers found a bag that had been left outside the apartment building. Inside the bag, they discovered a Derya Arms .22-calibre rifle that was equipped with a loaded, extended magazine. The weapon was seized as evidence and removed from the community to ensure public safety.
The 24-year-old Guelph man now faces charges of possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm. He was held in custody by the police to wait for a bail hearing.
Police Chief Gord Cobey stated that the community has seen a disturbing number of firearm-related offences in recent weeks. He noted that these incidents create increased risks for both local citizens and police officers. The seizure of this weapon is part of a larger effort to address the recent rise in illegal firearm activity within the city.
