Arrest made after further investigations
On Nov. 21, an incident occurred on campus which resulted in the stabbing of a university student around Mills Hall residence. Guelph police and Guelph-Wellington Emergency Services (GWEMS) arrived on the scene as they responded to a report that a male university student had been stabbed.
At around 5:20pm, the student had an arranged meeting with the male suspect in front of Mills Hall to complete a transaction. It was reported that the stabbing occurred and the victim was robbed of several personal belongings during the transaction. Police said the victim called 911 and was taken to Guelph General Hospital later that evening. It is expected that the student will make a full recovery without any complications.
It was further reported that the suspect was not a member of the Guelph or University of Guelph community, but that he had recently moved to Guelph from Mississauga.
Chuck Cunningham, the Assistant Vice-President of Communications & Public Affairs stated in an interview with the Guelph Mercury that “Guelph is known in Canada as a safe, supportive university, and the City of Guelph is known as a safe city in which to live.”
“So when anything like this happens,” Cunningham continued, “and it doesn’t happen often at all, it’s quite disconcerting.”
In a statement published by the Campus Community Police, the incident was said to be an isolated and targeted robbery. As the Investigative Services Unit took over, it was determined that the robbery should cause no concern for student and public safety.
It has been announced that the suspect was found and an arrest has been made. In a message sent on the SAFEGryphon app, police reported that “the investigative team worked diligently throughout the weekend, and at 1:00 p.m. on November 23, 2014, an 18-year-old male was arrested. He has been charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, possession of stolen property and weapons dangerous to the public peace. He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing on November 24, 2014.”
Further, in a statement released by campus authorities, the police urge anyone with information about the incident to step forward: “This investigation is ongoing, and the Guelph Police would ask that anyone with information in relation to this case is asked to contact D/Cst. Tang.” Anonymous tips can also be left at CRIME STOPPERS or submitted online.