Waterloo Region, Ontario – Waterloo Regional Police are continuing to investigate a series of disturbance calls in Kitchener.
On May 19, 2025, between approximately 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., police received numerous reports of people setting off fireworks towards members of the public and police officers in Victoria Park and throughout downtown Kitchener.
Police and City of Kitchener Bylaw responded to incidents including disturbances, large crowds of people blocking roadways, and fireworks being shot by people walking and by people in moving vehicles.
Hundreds of people were gathered throughout the park and downtown areas of Kitchener. To ensure public safety and the dispersal of the crowds, Victoria Park was closed.
Waterloo Regional Police mobilized resources from across the organization in addition to calling in resources from members of the Ontario Provincial Police to assist.
There were no physical injuries reported.
One 14-year-old youth was arrested and charged with Mischief- Interfere in relation to a fireworks incident.
A 17-year-old male youth was arrested and charged with setting off fireworks into a large group of people. Officers seized three imitation firearms as part of the investigation. The male was charged with Mischief- Interfere, Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose (three counts), and Carry Concealed Weapon.
An 18-year-old male was arrested and charged in a separate incident with Mischief- Interfere and Causing a Disturbance after setting off fireworks from a moving vehicle.
In a separate incident, officers were called to area of St. Andrews Street and Southwood Drive in Cambridge for reports of a robbery at a business. At approximately 9:30 p.m., three suspects attended a convenience store and stole fireworks. The suspects threw rocks and shot fireworks at several victims in the area while in the parking lot before fleeing. Minor injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 4499.
Video footage can be submitted to police via the evidence submission portal link:
Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submitted online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
WA25106581 (984)