A bad time to be a smoker in Guelph? Two violent incidents lead to charges

Not one, but two incidents in Guelph centred around smoking have lead to criminal charges, including assault with a weapon.

Police in the Royal City were called out soon after 6:00 p.m. on Saturday after a victim was shot in the chest with a BB gun.

The victim and his girlfriend had reportedly been arguing with a woman about smoking at the downtown Guelph bus terminal. All three got on a bus, heading to Silvercreek Parkway North and Willow Road.

Officials say when they all got off the bus, the woman allegedly shot the male victim in the chest with a BB gun — he suffered minor injuries.

An 18-year old woman was soon found and arrested.

Her charges are assault with a weapon; possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm, and two counts of breaching release conditions.

Then, on Sunday night, another argument and another alleged assault, this time over the price of cigars.

Police say this one happened at a business around Victoria Road South and Arkell Road.

A clerk in the store told police a customer became so angry at the price of the cigars he wanted to buy, he began yelling and swearing, and threw several items at the clerk.

When the clerk followed the suspect out of the store to write down his licence plate, officers say he allegedly threatened to run the clerk over.

The suspect even accelerated toward the clerk, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit, the press release notes.

Officers found the 64-year-old Guelph man at his home, and charged him with assault with a weapon, and dangerous driving.