Guelph homecoming party turns violent: police tactical unit deployed, injuries reported

Thousands of University of Guelph students attended an off-campus homecoming party Saturday that ended in disorder, injuries, and property damage.

Guelph homecoming party descends into disorder, tactical officers called in

Thousands of University of Guelph students gathered for an off-campus homecoming street party Saturday that turned violent, leaving multiple people injured and forcing police to deploy their tactical unit, globalnews.ca reports.

Video from the event showed partygoers hurling objects into large crowds. Students described glass bottles, metal water bottles, sticks, and other debris being thrown through the air. One attendee told Global News: "People were throwing sticks and bricks, it got out of hand for sure."

Some students said they left once the situation escalated.

Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie did not hold back in his reaction. "What I saw and what I heard is not good. And I am pretty ticked about that," he said.

In a statement, the police chief said officers on the scene observed people throwing objects, climbing buildings and other structures, and received reports of shoplifting and vandalism at nearby businesses. Emergency responders treated multiple people for cuts and lacerations and responded to several intoxication-related medical calls. Police confirmed no serious injuries were reported.

Charges have already been laid, and authorities said further charges are possible as investigators continue reviewing footage from the event.

The incident has reignited concerns about large university homecoming events across Canada. Similar disorder in the past led Queen's University to suspend its traditional homecoming celebration for several years before relocating it to the fall reading week.

Cleanup in Guelph was ongoing following the weekend gathering, with repairs to damaged walls and buildings expected in the days ahead.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)