Kitchener man surrenders, charged in firework assault on Waterloo councillor
Posted Jul 4, 2024 08:13:03 AM.
Last Updated Jul 4, 2024 10:17:17 AM.
A 37-year-old Kitchener man now faces assault charges following two separate incidents in Waterloo during Canada Day celebrations, including one that left a Waterloo councillor with minor injuries.
It was around 10:30 p.m. on Monday as a female victim was walking on Central Street, when she was shot and struck with a firework, police said.
Officials have confirmed that victim was Waterloo Ward 7 Councillor Julie Wright, who shared her experience on social media shortly after the incident.
Wright said she was on the way home from a drone show in Waterloo Park, and confronted the man after spotting him setting off fireworks near families. It’s alleged that man was about to set off a firework, when he turned and fired it directly at Wright from “about six to eight feet away,” striking her in the ear and cheek.
Police say that same suspect was also involved in an incident that saw a male victim assaulted, though police have said that instance was a physical assault that did not involve use of fireworks.
A photo of the suspect was shared by police on social media on Wednesday, asking anyone that could help identify the man to come forward.
Police said that male suspect was arrested yesterday after surrendering to police at Central Division in Kitchener.
The 37-year-old now faces charges of assault with a weapon and assault. He’s set to appear in court on August 7.
