Four arrested after fireworks struck vehicles, officers on Victoria Day
Posted May 19, 2026 07:26:40 AM.
Last Updated May 19, 2026 04:11:04 PM.
Four people were arrested after regional police painted another chaotic scene unfolding in Kitchener on Victoria Day Monday.
According to an update from officials, they responded to “a large volume of calls” in relation to celebrations in Kitchener and across the region. Between 4:30 p.m. and midnight on May 18, officers were called to Victoria Park and downtown Kitchener, where there were incidents of disturbance and fireworks being discharged in public places, including ones that hit a bylaw officer and police officer.
According to regional police, four arrests were made on Monday in relation to Victoria Day celebrations and fireworks displays. Hundreds were gathered throughout Victoria Park and downtown. Constable Chris Iden told 570 NewsRadio, WRPS took a proactive approach to ensuring public safety.
“As the night progressed, we, as well as the City of Kitchener, determined just to ensure public safety, to close Victoria Park down at 9 O’clock (p.m.) and just have families leave in the event that something happens, there would be no safety concern for other members.”
Before the closure, police arrested a youth who threw a lit firework that exploded on two vehicles. The 15-year-old from Cambridge was charged with failing to comply with an undertaking and engaging in a prohibited act.
He was held in custody for a bail hearing the release notes.
In another incident, officials said that a police officer and a bylaw officer were struck by a firework in the area of Queen Street South and Charles Street West.
The unknown male threw the firework onto the roadway where the pair were patrolling. They did not have any physical injuries. Police are still investigating the incident.
“Throughout the region, officers responded to calls for service regarding reckless use of fireworks, noise complaints, public intoxication, and disturbances,” police said.
According to regional police, they arrested a male youth in downtown Kitchener at around 5:30 p.m.
The youth was recognized by officers as being part of a group of youth who stole fireworks from a business in Cambridge in the area of Hespeler Road and Sheldon Drive on Friday.
He was arrested and charged with theft under $5,000.
Local authorities have made the decision to crack down on fireworks use in recent years, including a ban on the sale of fireworks in Kitchener and Waterloo at the beginning of 2026.
“We now know that every year this is something we’re going to be addressing and we’re going to continue to work and find resources to try to either diminish or stop this kind of behaviour,” said Iden.
In previous years, Victoria Park has been the site of unlawful fireworks use and incidents of injury from fireworks being shot directly at residents.
Iden said a more detailed report about fireworks enforcement will be forthcoming.
