Guelph police are investigating after a bystander was assaulted while trying to prevent a theft from a north end business.
Just before 6 p.m. Saturday, police were called to a business near Woolwich Street and Speedvale Avenue. A man in his 60s was inside a store making a purchase when a second man entered with his face covered.
The older man left the business, but continued to watch from his vehicle and saw the subject concealing an item inside his bag. The witness re-entered the store to confront the subject, leading to a physical altercation. A second suspect then entered the store and assaulted the witness, allowing both suspects to flee. The witness had his glasses broken and sustained minor injuries during the incident, but declined medical attention.
The first suspect was described as a black male in his 20s with a thin to medium build and slight facial hair. He was wearing a long black winter coat, baggy ripped black jeans, a bright red scarf, black hat, black face mask and black and grey backpack.
The second suspect was a white man in his 20s with a thin build, shoulder-length brown hair, light facial hair and a small tattoo near his right eye. He was wearing a grey hoodie, dark pants, a black toque and white shoes with red and blue stripes.
Police say anyone witnessing a crime in progress is strongly urged to call 911 and provide information rather than attempting to intervene and put themselves at risk.
