The Waterloo Regional Police Service is investigating an assault and robbery after a man was reportedly dragged by a vehicle and had belongings taken in a residential area near the University Avenue corridor.
What police say happened
Officers were called to the area of Meaford Drive and Chelford Crescent on Saturday, Oct. 17, shortly after 7 p.m., about a man seen crawling across a front lawn and appearing to be searching for his possessions.
A witness who was hiding in nearby trees reported the man was shirtless and told them he had been robbed. The witness said the man left the scene before police arrived. After further investigation, police concluded the man had been dragged by a white four-door hatchback, and during the incident an unknown person exited the vehicle and took the victim’s backpack and sweater while an altercation was underway.
"Through the investigation, officers determined that the victim had been dragged by a white four-door hatchback on Meaford Drive," police said in a statement.
The victim is described by police as a white man in his late 30s. As of Tuesday morning, police said the man had not been located and no suspect descriptions were released.
Where this happened and community context
The incident occurred in a neighbourhood not far from University Avenue and Highway 85, an area that connects student, residential and commuter traffic corridors. The proximity to major routes and the university area means residents and students who travel these streets in the evening should be aware of the police appeal for information.
Police have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact them. No charges or arrests have been reported.
- Date and time: Saturday, Oct. 17, shortly after 7 p.m.
- Location: Meaford Drive and Chelford Crescent, near University Avenue and Hwy. 85, Waterloo.
- Victim: White man in his late 30s (not located by Tuesday morning).
- Suspect vehicle: White four-door hatchback (police say this vehicle dragged the victim).
- Items taken: Backpack and sweater.
The following table summarises the key points released by police:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Oct. 17 |
| Time | Shortly after 7 p.m. |
| Location | Meaford Dr & Chelford Cres (near University Ave & Hwy 85) |
| Victim | White man, late 30s (not located as of Tuesday) |
| Suspect vehicle | White four-door hatchback |
| Stolen items | Backpack and sweater |
What police want from the public
The Waterloo Regional Police Service did not release any suspect descriptions but are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the event, captured the vehicle on dash-cam or doorbell video, or has other information to contact investigators. Residents with video surveillance in the area around the time of the incident are asked to check footage for a white four-door hatchback or any unusual activity.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterloo Regional Police Service. Police say community tips can be crucial in locating victims and identifying suspects, especially in incidents where witnesses report seeing only part of what occurred.
The investigation remains ongoing. As the case develops, city residents and those who travel the adjacent corridors can expect follow-ups from police and, potentially, renewed appeals for information.
