Hamilton arson suspect accused of assaulting police with a metal pole
Published August 23, 2021 at 3:55 pm
A 25-year-old man is facing several charges after the Hamilton Police Service says he set multiple fires and then assaulted officers during the arrest.
On Saturday (Aug. 21) at approximately 10 p.m., police received numerous calls reporting various garbage cans at multiple locations that were “engulfed in flames.”
Two officers were dispatched to the area of Barton and James St. In an alley to the west, officers observed a male matching the description provided.
Police say the suspect immediately started running east in the alley.
Police caught up with the male and attempted to place him under the arrest. That’s when officers say the suspect pulled out a long metal pole and began striking the officers with it.
Police say the suspect attempted to reach for his waistband several times but was not successful. After the male was subdued, police say they found a three-inch knife with a black handle tied around the suspect’s waist.
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The officers were treated for minor injuries.
John Michael Espiritu is charged with Arson, Carrying Concealed Weapon, Fail to Comply with Release Order, and two counts of Assault Police Officer with a Weapon.
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