Guelph couple pepper sprayed by trick-or-treater Sunday night

Guelph police are investigating after a couple was pepper sprayed by someone who knocked on their door Halloween night.

Police were called to a home in the area of Eramosa Rd. and Callander Dr. around 8:45 p.m.

The homeowner told police he answered a knock at the door and discovered a male in a Halloween mask.

The male proceeded to spray the homeowner and his wife before fleeing the area on foot.

When officers arrived on scene, they found the victims – a couple in their 60s – in obvious distress. Police say there was a strong odour of pepper spray in the area.

The male victim was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Investigators say a surveillance camera captured footage of the suspect walking past the house and then doubling back and knocking on the door.

He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black shoes with white soles and a Guy Fawkes-style white mask. He was also carrying a white bag.

Police searched the area but did not locate the suspect.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Guelph police.