Hamilton Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an increase in the number of shootings over the past few weeks.

There have been eight shootings in Hamilton since the beginning of January 2019, which is an increase over the previous year. During the same period last year, Hamilton experienced three shootings and saw a decline in the overall number of shootings in 2018.

“This recent trend is not acceptable – one shooting is too many for our community. We are developing persons of interest but we know there are individuals out there who have information. It’s important that if you see something, you say something,” says Superintendent Ryan Diodati.

While the majority of incidents are targeted, a couple woke up on February 10, 2019, to find a gunshot in the side of their Central Mountain residence. Hamilton Police believe the residence was not targeted and continue to investigate the motive for the shooting.

Generally, victims and witnesses have been uncooperative in sharing information. Hamilton Police are encouraging individuals who may have witnessed any of the recent shootings to come forward or share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

Shootings to date:

In response to the rise in shootings, Hamilton Police have increased patrols, executed search warrants and are implementing a task force to address gun violence and drug trafficking.

“We can’t do this alone. There are people out there with information and we encourage them to come forward to hold those responsible accountable,” says Diodati. “We need to continue working together to make sure Hamilton is a safe place for everyone.”

If you have any information that would assist police in these investigations, please contact Detective Sergeant Jason Cattle 905-546-3887. To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit an anonymous tip online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.