NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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On September 22, 2016 plain clothes members of the Guelph Police Drug Unit were conducting an investigation related to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in the vicinity of Grange Road and Starwood Drive.
At approximately 7:35 p.m. police officers approached an adult male suspect who was intending to enter a parked vehicle, for the purpose of arresting the suspect.
The suspect fled police and a foot chase ensued. During that foot chase a pursuing Drug Unit officer had un-holstered his service firearm.
During the foot chase and prior to the arrest of the male suspect the officer while intending to re-holster his firearm experienced an unintentional discharge of the firearm.
The discharge went directly into the ground and did not result in any property damage or any injury to the police officer or any other person. At the time of the discharge there were no other members of the public in the area aside from the suspect.
The suspect was arrested by other Unit members a short time later in the area.
This matter will be investigated by the Guelph Police Service as required by the Chief of Police under Regulation of the Ontario Police Services Act.
The firearm in question has been taken out of service for examination. No weapons were found or seized as result of the initial drug investigation. The officer will continue his regular assignment.
The accused in this investigation faces charges of:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance (Heroin) 5(2) CDSA.
- Possession of controlled substance (Marijuana) 4(1) CDSA.
- Possession of proceeds of crime CCC 354(1) (a).
He has been held in custody pending a bail hearing on Sept. 23, 2016.
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