GPS Daily Update 15Jan2025: FB Harassment, Panhandler Assaults Victim & Robbery

Source: Guelph Police Service
Date: Wed Jan 15 07:55:24 MST 2025
Facebook posts lead to harassment charge

A St. Mary’s woman has been charged with harassment over Facebook posts targeting a Guelph couple.

In early January, the Guelph Police Service began receiving calls from residents concerned about the welfare of two dogs at a south-end residence. After posts were made online, the dogs’ owners reported several instances of people showing up and yelling at them, trying to gain access to their backyard and even flying a drone over their house and photographing it.

Officials from Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) visited the home several times and are satisfied the dogs are being properly cared for and are not in danger.

Police spoke to the owner of one Facebook page, who refused to take down posts identifying the dogs’ owners and encouraging people to continue visiting the property and to boycott their small business. She also offered via Facebook to share the victims’ address with anyone who wants it.

On Tuesday a 57-year-old St. Mary’s woman was arrested for harassing communications. She will appear in court February 21.

Panhandler pulls knife on staff
A Guelph man faces several weapons charges after a panhandler pulled a knife Tuesday on an employee of a south-end business.

Approximately 11 a.m. police were called to a business near Stone Road West and Edinburgh Road South. The manager had received several complaints about a man approaching patrons in the drive-through and aggressively asking for money. When the manager asked the man to leave he pulled out a large knife and pointed it at the manager in a threatening manner.

Officers responded quickly and located the suspect nearby. The knife was located in his jacket pocket.

A 42-year-old Guelph man is charged with assault with a weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, breaching a probation order, failing to leave when directed and soliciting in an aggressive manner under the Safe Streets Act. He was held for a bail hearing Wednesday.

Robbery arrest
A Guelph woman is charged with robbery after an employee at a business was assaulted Tuesday night by someone attempting to steal a large amount of merchandise.

Just before 11 p.m. police were contacted by staff from a business on Silvercreek Parkway North about an aggressive female inside the store. She had filled a cart with $2,800 worth of products and was drinking a canned beverage she had not paid for.

When an employee approached her about consuming the beverage the woman became belligerent. She attempted to leave the store with the full cart and when an employee intervened the woman threw the beverage, striking the employee and staining her clothing.

Police arrived a short time later and arrested the woman. Investigation revealed she is currently before the courts for two similar incidents over the Christmas holidays.

A 39-year-old Guelph woman is charged with robbery. She was held for a bail hearing Wednesday.

Total calls for service in the last 24 hours – 194

Guelph Police Service

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