A Hamilton Police officer was patrolling along King Street East in Hamilton when he noticed two people on bikes acting suspiciously. When police stopped to ask questions one of the individuals fled the area on his bike.  Police located him a short distance away possessing a loaded firearm. A Hamilton man now faces several criminal charges.

On August 15, 2019, shortly before 12:00 a.m., police were proactively patrolling the area on King Street East and Barnesdale Avenue South when a male and female suspiciously peering into a parked car window were directed to stop. The female obeyed the command while the male cyclist fled on his bike. During the attempted escape Police noticed the male was clutching at something in the area of his waistband while cycling away.

The male was quickly located a short distance away on King Street East and placed under arrest due to safety concerns. During the search of the male, a loaded sawed-off shotgun was found tucked in the front waistband of his pants. 

The male was taken into custody with his bail opposed. He is scheduled to appear in court later today to answer to several firearm-related charges.

Charged:

Richard Fester (37-years-old) No fixed address

Charges:

• Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
• Possession of Prohibited Weapon
• Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
• Carrying a Concealed Weapon
• Prohibited Firearm, Loaded, Unloaded
• Prohibited Firearm, Ammunition Accessible
• Careless Use, Carry, Transport, Storage of Firearm, Weapon, Ammunition

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact East End Patrol Staff Sergeant’s office at (905) 546-2963.

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