According to the Guelph Police Service media release published Jan. 2, 2026, police responded to a series of violent incidents and a vehicle theft over the New Year holiday that have raised concerns about public safety in busy parts of the city.
Just before 9 a.m. on Jan. 1, two officers attended an address near Dawson Road and Shelldale Crescent to check on a woman’s wellbeing. The woman answered the door holding a black pistol, which she pointed at the officers. They shoved the door, knocking the woman down, and were able to disarm her. The weapon was later found to be a BB gun. A 45-year-old Guelph woman is charged with assault police with a weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose; she is scheduled to appear in Ontario Court of Justice on Feb. 13, 2026.
Approximately 1:50 a.m. on Jan. 1, police were called to an establishment on Macdonell Street. Two women had been standing outside when a 30-year-old Guelph man approached them, made rude comments about their clothing, pushed one woman to the ground and spat on the other. As a crowd surrounded him, the man pulled out a knife and began waving it. Witnesses were able to disarm and hold him for police. He is charged with three counts of assault, assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and is due in court on Feb. 17, 2026.
While officers were on scene, patrons from a nearby business reported a second disturbance. Officers spoke to a 28-year-old Guelph man who was clearly intoxicated and became aggressive; when officers attempted to arrest him for public intoxication he physically resisted and, during the arrest, spat blood in the face of an officer. Investigation found the man had punched a staff member inside the business. He faces charges of assault, resisting arrest and public intoxication and is scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 20, 2026.
Police are also investigating a vehicle theft from a business on Eramosa Road. At approximately 8:20 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, a man entered the gym, went to the changeroom area and stole a victim’s bag. Video showed the suspect entering a vehicle in the parking lot; the victim’s grey 2017 Toyota Camry was subsequently stolen from the lot. Gym staff believe the same male may be responsible for several similar vehicle thefts in other jurisdictions. Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Karson Massey at 519-824-1212 ext. 7594, email kmassey@guelphpolice.ca, or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.csgw.tips.
The Guelph Police Service reported a total of 413 calls for service over the 48-hour period. Police and downtown businesses note that patrols are commonly increased in nightlife areas during busy holiday periods.
Excerpt from the media release: ‘The woman answered the door holding a black pistol, which she pointed at the officers. They shoved the door, knocking the woman down, and were able to disarm her. The weapon was later found to be a BB gun.’ — Guelph Police Service.
Residents are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings and to report suspicious activity to local authorities.
