Hamilton Police ask for help locating suspect who shot at officers

Published February 3, 2020 at 8:04 pm

Hamilton Police issued an appeal for assistance from residents in the area of Ottawa Street North and Edinburgh Avenue after a Friday night shooting incident.

Hamilton Police issued an appeal for assistance from residents in the area of Ottawa Street North and Edinburgh Avenue after a Friday night shooting incident.

On Monday (Feb. 3), police asked that anyone residing in the area is urged to check their surveillance cameras for suspicious activity and to contact police.

On Friday (Jan. 31) shortly before 10:00 p.m., Hamilton Police responded to the area of Barton Street East and Ottawa Street North for reports of a suspicious person.

At the time, a man was seen climbing the fire escape of a building, heading towards the roof. Moments later, police located the man standing outside the building.

The man immediately fled on foot. When police gave chase, the suspect removed what appeared to be a handgun and fired it in the direction of the officers.

A short distance later, police caught up to the man who positioned a woman between himself and the officers to deter his arrest.

The woman was uninjured and the man let her go as he took off on foot in a southerly direction. He was last seen near Britannia Avenue and London Street North.

Hamilton Police Emergency Response, ACTION and K9 Units immediately attended. The area was secured as the search for the suspect continued.

Hours later, police received information that a resident in the area confronted a man she discovered on her property. A physical altercation occurred and he fled on foot. The resident received minor injuries.

Police say they believe the incidents are related.

With the assistance of a Halton Police Service drone, Hamilton Police continued to search the area for several hours but were unable to locate the suspect.

Through continued investigation, police have located evidence to confirm the suspect discharged a firearm.

The suspect is described as a man in his 20s, approximately 5’7” to 5’10” tall with a stalky build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing all black, was clean-shaven and he was wearing a blonde wig.

Hamilton Police continued to maintain a presence in the area over the weekend.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mario Rizzo by calling 905-546-2918 or Acting Detective Sergeant Christian Mukendi at 905-546-2907.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising