On Monday, June 24, 2024, at approximately 10:00 p.m., two suspects were observed fleeing on foot after setting fire to a Pride flag located at a school in the area of Barton Street and Fifty Road in Stoney Creek. Two other suspects were seen running in the same direction.

The Arson Unit, in collaboration with the Hate Crime Unit, is actively investigating the incident. Investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the suspects. Citizens who were in the vicinity at the time and may have witnessed the incident or have video evidence are urged to come forward. We ask that you review any video you may have between 9:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. and contact police with anything suitable.

Suspect Descriptions

Suspect One

• Height: 5’7” - 5’11”
• Age: 15 – 19 years
• Hair: Medium length, dark, puffy
• Clothing: Black t-shirt, orange shorts, black shoes

Suspect Two

• Height: 5’8” - 6’0”
• Age: 15 – 19 years
• Hair: Short, brown
• Clothing: White t-shirt, blue/gray shorts, black shoes

Suspect Three

• Height: 5’7” - 5’11”
• Age: 15 – 19 years
• Hair: Short, black
• Clothing: Black t-shirt, black shorts, white shoes

Suspect Four

• Height: 5’7” - 5’11”
• Age: 15 – 19 years
• Hair: Short, dark
• Clothing: Black t-shirt, black shorts, white shoes

If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Greg Blunsdon of the Arson Unit at 905-540-5085.

Hamilton Police are dedicated to investigating hate/bias-motivated crimes to ensure Hamilton remains a safe and inclusive community.

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

On Monday, July 12, 2021, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a mother and daughter were walking through a parking lot in a plaza in the Ancaster Meadowlands. An interaction occurred after a vehicle pulling out of a parking spot almost struck one of the victims.

The interaction escalated with the suspect uttering threats towards the victims while using slurs targeting the Muslim community.

The victims ran across the street and hid behind some bushes while the suspect searched for them. He eventually located them and threatened to kill them. One of the victims ran screaming for help and witnesses intervened as the suspect fled the area.

The incident is being investigated as a hate crime.

Licata has been remanded to court on July 15, 2021.

As the charges are before the courts no additional information will be released.

Police are urging witnesses to these incidents to come forward and to contact Hamilton Police Hate-Crime Detective Fabiano Mendes at 905-546-5678 or Division 3 Criminal Investigation Branch Acting Detective Sergeant Michael Hall at 905-546-3851.

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

Hate crime in Hamilton is not acceptable. Left unchecked, hate crime can have a far reaching impact on communities. Hate crimes can be reported online

It was believed to have taken place in Upper Stoney Creek. The content of the video displayed a male driving a blue pick-up truck while making hateful comments towards an unknown person.

This incident has not been reported to Police.

Further investigation revealed that the same male was involved in a separate Hate-Crime incident that took place on Thursday, April 1, 2021 in the area of Upper Centennial Pkwy and Rymal Road East.

The Hamilton Police Hate Crime Unit investigated this incident, and has subsequently arrested a Hamilton man.

The man will be before the courts on Thursday, July 29, 2021.

Police are urging any victim(s) or witnesses to these incidents to come forward and contact Hamilton Police Hate Crime Detective, Fabiano Mendes at (905) 546-5678.

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