Employee Punched in Neck During Theft Attempt

A Guelph man faces charges after an employee at a local business was assaulted during a theft attempt.

Police were called just before 11 p.m. Thursday to a business on Woodlawn Road West. A female had attempted to leave the store with more than $300 in product in a shopping cart but was stopped by an employee.

A male entered the store and attempted to distract the employee. The female left the store and when the employee tried to follow he was punched in the neck area by the male. The employee was not seriously injured.

A 25-year-old Guelph male is charged with assault, theft under $5,000 and breaching probation. He will appear in court September 7, 2023. The investigation is ongoing to identify the female.