Hamilton Police are appealing for the public to come forward after a marked increase in the number of shootings over the past few weeks. Especially concerning is the number of shootings that have taken place in broad daylight in busy areas.
There have been 21 shootings in Hamilton since January 2024, which is an increase over the previous year. During the same period last year, Hamilton experienced 10 shootings and saw a decline in the overall number of shootings in 2023. This is the highest number of shootings year-to-date since 2019.
“Do not let the reckless actions of a few define our community’s safety. As a community, we cannot accept or tolerate this level of violence. We can’t become complacent in response to these increasingly brazen acts,” says Chief Frank Bergen.”
While the majority of incidents are targeted, recent shootings have taken place near a daycare and a busy alleyway with children walking home from school.
In response to the increase in shootings over the past five years, Hamilton Police Service recently made its Shooting Response Team (SRT) a permanent addition to the Investigative Services Division (ISD).
The SRT had been a year-long pilot project aimed at addressing non-lethal shootings across Hamilton. The team’s mission is to tackle incidents of reckless gunfire that result in serious injuries or endanger individuals and properties, enhancing safety in our community.
According to Superintendent Marty Schulenberg, “Shootings, whether or not they result in a victim, severely undermine our community’s sense of safety. The Shooting Response Team dedicates investigative resources to address these incidents and apprehend those responsible.”
To date, the team has carried out 62 investigations, leading to the arrest of 27 individuals for a total of 255 charges. Of the 27 persons arrested, 56 per cent already had a weapon/firearm charge.
Generally, victims and witnesses have been uncooperative in sharing information. However, a recent shooting saw the community come out to preserve evidence and assist police in the investigation. Hamilton Police are encouraging individuals who may have witnessed any of the recent shootings to come forward or share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Hamilton Police continue to look for information on three recent shootings:
Sherman Avenue South
https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/news/police-probe-gunfire-incident-after-citizen-reports-shell-casings-located/
Hamilton Police continue their investigation into the gunfire incident in the Sherman Avenue South and Main Street East area and are now releasing video footage of the suspects involved. All three suspects were last seen running southbound on Blake Street from Maplewood Avenue shortly before midnight on Friday, May 17, 2024. The investigation began on May 18, 2024, after reports of gunfire. Evidence was later found on May 20, 2024, confirming shots had been fired shortly before midnight on May 17, 2024. Enhanced patrols have been deployed in the area to ensure community safety and gather further evidence.
Congress Crescent
https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/news/hamilton-police-investigating-early-morning-shooting/
In the early morning on May 10, 2024, Hamilton Police Service responded to 30 Congress Cres in the city’s east end for a shooting. Multiple shots were fired into the building’s front entrance. There are no reported injuries and it remains unclear if there was an intended victim.
Investigators are still looking to identify a reported beige SUV that contained an occupant with a firearm. The vehicle was last seen leaving 30 Congress Cres and fleeing east bound. It is unknown how many occupants were in the vehicle.
Kinrade Avenue
https://hamiltonpolice.on.ca/news/update-police-release-suspect-photos-from-yesterdays-gunfight/
On May 13, 2024, just before 5:00 p.m., Hamilton Police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near Barton Street East and Kinrade Avenue. Officers were immediately dispatched and confirmed a shooting had occurred. Witnesses reported an exchange of gunfire involving several individuals, with bullets found in buildings, vehicles, garages, and roadways. A vehicle believed to be involved was found abandoned nearby, but the suspects remain at large.
“Someone knows these individuals who are carrying loaded firearms with no regard for public safety. We urge the community to do the right thing and come forward to assist with these investigations,” says Chief Bergen.
If you witness a shooting, please call 911 immediately.
If you have any information that would assist police in these investigations, please contact 905-546-4883 or email [email protected]. To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit an anonymous tip online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.