Arrest Risks for Ontario Security Guards: Lessons from the Sault Ste. Marie Biting Incident

Last Updated on Jan 11, 2026

On July 18, 2025, a routine theft arrest at a Sault Ste. Marie business escalated into violence when a 26-year-old suspect bit a security guard during the arrest. Police later charged the individual with theft and assault.

For many Ontario security guards — particularly those working in retail loss prevention, healthcare, and other frontline environments — this incident hits close to home. Lawful arrests happen every day across the province, but they are never risk-free. Biting, spitting, and sudden assaults are not rare anomalies; they are known hazards when physical control is involved.

This incident serves as an important reminder of the real risks associated with apprehensions and why Ontario security training, policy, and sound judgment are critical for guard safety under Ontario’s private security framework.

What Happened in Sault Ste. Marie

According to media reports, security staff confronted a man suspected of shoplifting. When guards attempted to arrest him, the suspect became violent and bit one of them, causing minor injuries. Security staff eventually regained control and turned the individual over to police.

To the public, biting may sound unusual. To experienced security professionals, it is a known and documented risk — particularly in close-contact situations involving:

• Retail loss prevention apprehensions
• Healthcare and hospital security
• Shelter, transit, and public-space security
• Event security and crowd management

When individuals feel trapped, restrained, or panicked, they may use whatever means are available to resist — including biting or spitting. While the physical injury may appear minor, the exposure to bodily fluids and the psychological impact on the guard are serious concerns.

Why These Incidents Escalate: Fight, Flight, or Freeze

Violence during apprehensions often does not start with anger — it starts with fear.

When a person realizes they have been caught stealing:

• Their first instinct is often to flee
• If blocked, panic sets in
• Once physical restraint begins, resistance escalates rapidly
• If hands and arms are controlled, they may resort to biting, head-butting, or spitting

This escalation pattern is predictable. That means guards who understand it can better prepare for it. Training and awareness allow security professionals to anticipate resistance and respond in a controlled, lawful manner.

Practical Strategies for Safer Apprehensions

1. Treat Every Apprehension as High Risk

Even cooperative-appearing suspects can escalate without warning.

• Maintain a reactionary gap
• Use controlled angles and positioning
• Avoid cornering a suspect unless you are prepared for resistance

2. Expect Resistance When Physical Contact Begins

Industry experience shows resistance most often occurs when:

• An exit is blocked
• The suspect is told they are under arrest
• Physical contact is initiated
• Multiple guards attempt to control limbs

This is the highest-risk moment for bites and assaults.

Communication First: The Best Use-of-Force Tool

Before any physical intervention, communication should be the primary strategy.

Clear, calm, and authoritative communication reduces panic and increases voluntary compliance. For example:

“I’m with store security. You’re under arrest for theft. You are not legally permitted to leave at this time. Cooperating is the safest option for everyone involved. Will you come with me so we can resolve this safely?”

This approach:

• Sets clear expectations
• Demonstrates professionalism
• Reduces fear-based reactions
• Supports the guard legally by showing an attempt to avoid force

Even if force becomes necessary, situations often escalate less when communication is attempted first.

Get trained in Use of Force here.

Recognizing Pre-Assault Indicators

Ontario security guards should be trained to recognize early warning signs, including:

• Clenched fists or jaw tightening
• Rapid or shallow breathing
• Sudden silence or verbal agitation
• Repeated glances toward exits
• Weight shifting or bladed stance
• Lowering the body or dropping posture

Recognizing these cues early allows guards to adjust positioning, request backup, or disengage before violence occurs.

Safety Over Merchandise — Every Time

Security guards have a legal and professional duty to protect people and property — but not at the cost of unnecessary personal risk.

In the Sault Ste. Marie case, the assault occurred while the guard lawfully prevented the suspect from leaving. While lawful, this action carries significant risk.

Guard safety must always come before:

• Recovering stolen property
• Apprehension quotas or expectations
• Fear of criticism for letting a suspect walk away

Disengagement and detailed documentation are sometimes the most professional and defensible choices.

The Shift Toward Non-Contact Loss Prevention

Across Ontario and Canada, many retailers and security providers are adopting non-contact or hands-off apprehension policies. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the risks involved in physical arrests.

Benefits include:

• Fewer injuries to guards
• Reduced assault incidents
• Lower risk of excessive force complaints
• Reduced corporate and personal liability
• Improved guard morale and retention

Non-contact strategies may include observation, communication, video evidence, and detailed reporting for police follow-up.

When Physical Control Cannot Be Avoided

If force is unavoidable, guards must act within the law and their training by:

• Ensuring adequate backup is present
• Avoiding crowded or confined public spaces
• Maintaining control of hands and head positioning
• Using appropriate PPE (such as bite-resistant gloves)
• Acting within Sections 494 and 25 of the Criminal Code
• Applying the National Use of Force Framework

Every use of force must be reasonable, necessary, and defensible.

Policy, Training, and PPE Matter

Strong policies and quality training dramatically reduce risk. Ontario security guards should clearly understand:

• When they are legally authorized to arrest
• When observation and reporting is more appropriate
• How to use tactical communication and de-escalation
• How to recognize pre-assault indicators
• How to apply reasonable force only when required
• How PPE can reduce injury and exposure

Without proper guidance, guards are left making split-second decisions under pressure — where most injuries and legal issues occur.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for the Worst, Work for the Best

The Sault Ste. Marie biting incident is a reminder that even “routine” theft apprehensions can turn violent without warning. Ontario security guards must constantly balance enforcement with personal safety.

By prioritizing communication, situational awareness, policy compliance, and lawful decision-making, guards can reduce risk while remaining professional, effective, and legally protected.

Stopping a theft is important — but going home safe at the end of your shift matters more.

For advanced Ontario-focused training on lawful arrest, use of force training, and de-escalation training, visit Security Guard Course (SGC) for programs designed specifically for Canada’s private security industry.