A 23-year-old Guelph man is under arrest after multiple attacks in the city’s downtown core.
It happened Sunday morning around 10:30 a.m.
According to Guelph police, the suspect stole a cane from an elderly man and used the cane to strike the man twice.
The man then approached a woman standing near the main library branch on Norfolk Street, threatened her with the cane and then struck her in the face with an open hand.
The male then grabbed another man from behind and slammed his head against the asphalt.
The second male victim was knocked unconsciousness and had a 3-inch laceration on his head.
The elderly male was taken to hospital for treatment.
The female and other male victim declined medical treatment.
"At this point it's uncertain or not if they were impaired," said Cst. Kyle Grant of Guelph Police Service. "One thing we do know is that it doesn't seem like the accused knew any of the three victims, which is troubling."
The suspect has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, two counts of assault with a weapon, and breach probation. He had a bail hearing this morning.
Police say any possible motive for the assaults is unclear.
Later on and elsewhere in the downtown core, another man reportedly pulled out a machete on two people.
"You should be able to walk through here and not look over your shoulder," said Guelph resident Ryan Kelloway. "I don't that's very right and I don't think people around here deserve to feel that way."
Police are reminding residents to be aware of their surroundings and take extra precaution when going out.
They also encourage people to call if they have seen any suspicious activity.
