U.S. visitor charged after people stomped on, chased by hammer-wielding woman in Guelph

A spree of physical assaults in Guelph that targeted people from ages 12 to 73 and included at least two victims being chased by a hammer-wielding woman has led to the arrest of a Connecticut resident police say was visiting family in the southwestern Ontario city.

Guelph Police said the series of attacks, in addition to several property damage incidents, took place between May 25 and this past Sunday in the city’s south end. During that time, 10 people reported having “interactions with the woman in parks and nearby neighbourhoods,” police said in a news release on Wednesday.

Given the numerous assault and other reports received from residents, police earlier this week released images of a suspect in hopes of identifying the woman and ending the violent spree before someone was more seriously hurt. Those photos have now been unpublished by police.

Investigators said the interactions between the woman and residents over the two-week span “included physical assaults involving people being approached without provocation and being shoved or having their feet stomped on.

“On at least two occasions,” police continued, “the subject brandished a hammer and chased victims with it. Two of the victims also reported their vehicle being damaged during an altercation with the woman.”

Police noted the victims include both males and females who range in age from 12 to 73.

While responding to an unrelated call on Tuesday in Guelph’s south end, officers recognized the woman they were seeking and made an arrest, police said.

While in custody at the police station, the woman allegedly threw a shirt at and attempted to punch an officer.

Further investigation revealed the woman had arrived in Guelph to visit family two days before the first reported incident, police said.

A 28-year-old Connecticut woman is charged with:

• Three counts of assault with a weapon.
• Five counts of assault.
• Two counts of carrying a concealed weapon.
• Assaulting a police officer.
• Possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
• Mischief under $5,000.

She was held for a bail hearing on Wednesday, police said.