Police release image of person of interest in Halloween pepper spraying incident

Guelph police continue to investigate after a couple was pepper sprayed by someone who came their door Halloween evening.

Approximately 8:45 p.m., a 911 call was received from a residence in the area of Eramosa Road and Callander Drive. The homeowner advised he answered a knock at the door and found a male in a Halloween mask, who sprayed the resident and his wife before fleeing on foot. Officers arrived to find the residents – a couple in their 60s – in obvious distress and a strong odour of pepper spray in the area.

Police reviewed surveillance camera footage, which showed the suspect walking past the house then doubling back and knocking on the door. He was wearing a black hoodie, black pants, black shoes with white soles and a Guy Fawkes-style white mask. He was carrying a white bag. Police searched the area but did not locate him.

The male resident was transported to Guelph General Hospital as a precaution.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Kevin Ketteringham at 519-824-1212, ext. 7513, email him at [email protected], leave an anonymous message for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.csgw.tips.