Police have identified four individuals responsible for a series of five shooting incidents that occurred in the city’s east end between December 21, 2020, and December 25, 2020. Arrests have been made and one male remains outstanding at this time.
On Monday, December 21, 2020, a 20-year-old male was wounded and suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result of one of the incidents. Following the initial assault, shootings were reported in a rural area and at three separate residences over the next few days.
As the investigation progressed, it became clear that each of the individual incidents were closely related. With the assistance of specialized units, uniform officers and cooperation from members of the community, four males were identified. Two individuals were located and arrested. A third male was already in custody.
On Thursday, January 14, 2021, the males were charged with several firearm-related offences. An arrest warrant has been since issued for the fourth male who is a youth.
It is important to note that three of the individuals responsible for these violent offences are young persons and as such, cannot be identified.
CHARGED | Duston MacKenzie - 20-years-of-age, Hamilton
| Male Youth - 17-years-of age, Hamilton
| Male Youth - 17-years-of age, Hamilton
| Male Youth - 17-years-of-age, Hamilton
|
Incident #1 | | - Careless use of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 6
| - Careless use of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Knowledge of unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Breach of court order X 2
| |
Incident #2 | - Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Offences relating to the possession and transport of a prohibited firearm X 7
- Fail to comply with Court Order X 2
| | - Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Offences relating to the possession and transport of a prohibited firearm X 7
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 2
| - Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Offences relating to the possession and transport of a prohibited firearm X 7
|
Incident #3 | - Offences relating to the unauthorized possession, storage, and transport of firearms X 6
- Fail to comply with Court Order X 2
| - Offences relating to the unauthorized possession, storage, and transport of firearms X 6
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 6
| - Offences relating to the unauthorized possession, storage, and transport of firearms X 6
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 2
| |
Incident #4 | - Offences relating to the unauthorized possession, storage, and transport of firearms X 5
- Fail to comply with Court Order X 2
| | - Offences relating to the unauthorized possession, storage, and transport of firearms X 5
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 2
| |
Incident #5 | - Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Offences relating to the possession and transport of a prohibited firearm X 5
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 2
| - Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Offences relating to the possession and transport of a prohibited firearm X 5
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 6
| - Reckless discharge of a firearm
- Offences relating to the possession and transport of a prohibited firearm X 5
- Fail to comply with Court Orders X 2
| |
If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into these crimes you are asked to contact Detective Constable Chelsea Knowles by calling 905-546-2917 or Detective Sergeant Ben Thibodeau by calling 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
