Hamilton Police continue to appeal to the public to help identify a suspect involved in a stranger assault on the Hamilton Mountain in July.

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at approximately 9:30 a.m., a woman was walking in the area of Upper Paradise and Donnici Drive when she was approached by an unknown male and dragged off the trail. The male proceeded to assault her, but was interrupted by witnesses walking by the area. The male then fled on foot southbound towards Upper Paradise and was later seen on video in the area of Edgehill Dr.

“This was a violent daytime assault and we need the public’s help in identifying the suspect before he acts again. We encourage anyone who may recognize him to contact police or CrimeStoppers. Thankfully, witnesses were able to intervene during the attack otherwise we could have been dealing with different outcomes,” says Detective Sergeant Jennifer Currie.

Police have information that the suspect may attend or have recently graduated a high school in the area. Staff and students at local high schools are encouraged to review the image and contact investigators if they recognize him.

Hamilton Police are also aware of several incidents that have occurred on Hamilton trails since June 2022. As a result, of these incidents the Hamilton Police Service has deployed extra resources to increase police presence on area trails to help ensure community safety.

Hamilton Police Service is encouraging the public to take extra precautions when accessing the trails or walking paths. Please consider the following safety tips:

• Walk/run along trails with a partner when possible
• Tell someone the route you are taking and the anticipated length of time you will be gone
• Avoid poorly lit paths or running/walking when it is dark
• Stick to populated paths when running/walking/cycling alone
• Carry a cellphone and/or personal alarm device
• Run/walk without headphones
• If you are confronted, be loud and shout for help

These investigations are ongoing, should you have any information that you believe may assist the police, you are asked to contact Sexual Assault Unit Detectives at 905-546-4962, 905-540-540-5543 or 905-546-4614.  

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