Hamilton Police are investigating two shootings, a serious assault and seized a firearm overnight.
Officers were on patrol around 9:20 p.m. at the Winona Peach Festival when they observed a disturbance break out near the midway between two males. This took place at a time and location that was filled with hundreds of people, including children and families. As officers approached, bystanders alerted them that one suspect had a firearm.
A 23-year-old male was quickly arrested and was found to be in possession of a firearm, with a high-capacity magazine and ammunition. He faces numerous charges, including possessing a loaded firearm and possessing a prohibited weapon. The actions of these officers prevented what could have been a significant tragedy.
At 10:30 p.m., police were called to another disturbance in a parking lot close to the Winona Peach Festival where a group of four males were attacking another male with a baseball bat. The suspects fled when police arrived and the 53-year-old victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police continue to search for the suspects.
At 11:45 p.m., police responded to a shooting in the parking lot of Peddles Tavern located at 1490 Barton Street East. A 20-year-old male and 28-year-old male sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were uncooperative with police. The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s with dreadlocks and a ponytail, wearing dark clothing and a hoodie.
On August 25, at 6:00 a.m., Hamilton Police responded to shots fired at Club 33, 33 Bowen Street. Upon arrival, police located three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Two males and a female victim were transported to hospital with serious injuries. All victims are in their 20s.
The suspect is described as a white male, with blonde hair, light beard, wearing a black Blue Jays baseball cap, white shirt and black jeans.
There have been ongoing issues with licensed establishments in the area. Hamilton Police continue to work closely with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to revoke licenses to address the violent incidents at these locations.
The Shooting Response Team has taken over the investigations into the shootings.
Hamilton Police continue to encourage anyone with information into these incidents to come forward to police. Addressing violence in our community requires the active involvement of our entire community. By working together, and sharing information, we can make a significant difference.
To provide information on the incident at Winona Peach Festival or the assault contact:
Detective Amberlee Rodgers, Division 2 Criminal Investigations Branch at 905-546-2919 or at [email protected].
To provide information on the shootings, contact:
Shooting Response Team at 905-546-4883 or email [email protected].
For anonymous tips, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at Crime Stoppers.