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(CENTRE WELLINGTON TOWNSHIP, ON) - The Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charge a local resident criminally with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

On September 8, 2025, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Wellington County OPP, alongside the OPP West Region Emergency Response Team and the OPP Canine Unit, attended a home in Fergus to assist a neighbouring police service in arresting an individual on their behalf.

Upon arrival, the individual temporarily barricaded themselves inside their residence and brandished a replica sword to police. The accused eventually surrendered without incident and was cooperative with police. For public safety, the replica swords, a replica gun (air gun) and knives were seized from the scene.

The individual was then brought to local hospital for assessment.

On September 17, 2025, when the individual was released from hospital, they were then arrested and charged under the Criminal Code with:

• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice-Guelph on October 21, 2025.

The accused’s name is being withheld, out of concern for their well being.

Replica firearms are also dangerous to those who use them because officers are trained to treat armed individuals as a significant public safety risk until proven otherwise. 

Full regulations and guidelines regarding replica firearms and their use can be found on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police website.