Guelph man steals SUV with sleeping child in back seat
Posted Jul 14, 2026 12:09:38 PM.
Last Updated Jul 14, 2026 03:12:27 PM.
A swift response from Guelph police officers after an SUV with a sleeping child in the back seat was stolen from a west-end plaza on Monday.
Police were called to the Willow and Westwood roads area around 4:20 p.m. after a mother reported her vehicle was taken with her four-year-old still inside.
Investigators learned that a man stole merchandise from a business in the area and was confronted by an employee. The man then allegedly committed an indecent act and fled in the nearby SUV.
Police officers from several units quickly rushed to the scene to aid in the search efforts, and within 16 minutes, the SUV was found parked on a residential street with the child inside.
Guelph police say the four-year-old was still asleep when the vehicle was located, and there were no physical injuries.
A 29-year-old Guelph man was arrested shortly after and charged with indecent act, motor vehicle theft, and theft under $5,000.
“I would like to thank our members for their excellent response, which ensured this emergency situation was quickly and safely resolved,” said Guelph Police Chief Gord Cobey in a release.
The Guelph Police Service is reminding parents and caregivers to never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
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