GUELPH – Two men face charges after a hatchet and broken bottle were brandished during a disturbance here last Tuesday.
Guelph Police say that just before 1:30pm, police received several 911 calls about a male with a hatchet chasing another male on Wyndham Street North.
“Officers arrived within minutes, seizing the hatchet and placing the male under arrest,” police stated in an Aug. 7 press release.
“Investigation revealed he had been involved in a verbal altercation with another male a short time before.
“The other male left the area, but returned with a glass bottle which he broke on the ground and then threw at the first male, who was able to block the throw with his hand.
“He then grabbed the hatchet and went after the assailant.”
Police say the second involved male was located a short distance away and also arrested.
A 39-year-old Guelph man was charged with possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and is to appear in court on Sept. 17.
A 36-year-old Guelph man is charged with assault with a weapon, uttering threats and failing to comply with a release order. He was held for a bail hearing last week.
Long weekend charges
LONDON – West Region OPP officials say police were kept busy over the Civic Holiday long weekend, responding to over 4,800 calls for service, including two fatal collisions, and laying over 1,600 charges.
The provincial traffic safety campaign, which ran from Aug. 2 to 5, focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, seatbelt use, aggressive driving and the “move over law.”
“Our officers responded to a significant number of calls for service over the course of the … long weekend,” stated staff sergeant Tyler Holmes, of the West Region Traffic Safety and Marine unit, in an Aug. 7 press release.
“Although we achieved excellent results, members of the public still need to be reminded that operating a vehicle or vessel under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs should never be an option.
“Let’s continue to make safety a top priority on our roadways, waterways and trails.”
Charges laid during the long weekend campaign include:
– one under the Off-Road Vehicles Act;
– eight under the Cannabis Control Act;
– 13 for failing to move over;
– 24 for stunt driving;
– 26 under the Canada Shipping Act (small vessel regulations);
– 31 for distracted driving;
– 68 traffic-related alcohol charges (including 45 for impaired driving);
– 100 under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act;
– 170 seat belt charges;
– 732 for speeding;
– 13 other Criminal Code traffic-related charges; and
– 438 other provincial traffic-related charges.
“OPP Marine Units were vigilant on area waterways, ensuring that boating enthusiasts were wearing life jackets or personal floatation devices,” police stated in the press release.
“Officers were also checking to ensure that operators were qualified and had all the required safety equipment on board their vessels.”
Injured by fireworks, ‘unknown substance’
GUELPH – Guelph Police Service are investigating after a man and teenage girl were injured with fireworks during a recent disturbance.
Police say that at about 11:45pm on Aug. 3, officers patrolling near Victoria Road North and Wideman Boulevard were flagged down by a motorist who reported his friends had been injured and requested an ambulance.
“Investigation revealed two groups of youths were attending a gathering at Northview Park when a physical altercation ensued,” police stated in an Aug. 6 press release. “During the altercation, a 16-year-old girl and 18-year-old man were struck with projectiles from fireworks, causing minor injuries. The teen was also sprayed with an unknown substance. Both were transported to hospital for treatment.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can call Constable Bernardus Ptok at 519-824-1212, ext. 7552; bptok@guelphpolice.ca; or leave a tip with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or csgw.tips.
Underage driver
MINTO – A pair of Minto residents were charged this spring after an underage driver was caught speeding.
On April 24 at about 3:15pm, a Wellington County OPP officer monitoring traffic on Wellington Road 6 in Minto saw a youth driving a silver mini-van that appeared to be travelling above the posted speed limit of 80km/h.
A 15-year-old from Minto, was charged with speeding and driving without a licence.
A 35-year-old passenger was charged with allowing a person under 16 to drive.
The youth defendant is to appear in court at a later date. The adult defendant is to appear in Guelph court on Aug. 21.
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Anyone with information about the above incidents can contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip atcsgw.tips. Tip providers may be eligible for a cash reward.
