Hamilton Police are appealing for assistance from residents in the area of Ottawa Street North and Edinburgh Avenue after a Friday night shooting incident. Anyone residing in the area is urged to check their surveillance cameras for suspicious activity and to contact police.

On Friday, January 31, 2020, 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 male was observed climbing the fire escape of a building, heading towards the roof. Moments later, police located the male standing outside the building. The male immediately fled on foot, followed by police. He 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 male who positioned a female between himself and the officers to deter his arrest. The female was uninjured and the male let her go as the male continued running 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 male continued.

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

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

The suspect is described as male white, in his 20's, wearing all black, clean-shaven, approximately 5'7-5'10 with a stalky build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a blonde wig.

Hamilton Police continued to maintain a presence in the area over the weekend searching for the suspect. The investigation remains ongoing and Hamilton Police are urging residents in the area to check their surveillance cameras for any suspicious activities and contact detectives.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are 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