At approximately 12:50 a.m., police received numerous calls about a male armed with a machete striking vehicles in an apartment parking lot and challenging people to a fight. When police arrived, the male dropped the knife and was safely arrested. In total, 36 vehicles were damaged.

The male is facing the following charges:

• Mischief Under
• Mischief Over 
• Weapons Dangerous
• Fail to Comply with probation

Anyone who would like to report damage or has information regarding the incident, is asked to call 905-546-4725. To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips  at www.crimestoppershamilton.com. 

The incident, believed to have occurred on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, involved breaking fourteen windows on the outside of the school, resulting in damages totaling over $10,000. Police have confirmed that the damage was caused by an air gun, also known as a BB gun, pellet gun, spring gun or air soft gun.

Investigators are asking residents, students, parents, and business owners in the area to review their security camera footage from 9:30 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 for suitable footage that may be related to this investigation.

If you have any information or knowledge of those responsible for the vandalism, we ask you to contact police by calling 905-546-4925, citing Case Number: 24-590907.

For those wishing to provide information anonymously, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

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

Upon completion, the City of Hamilton cleaned the paint from the roadway out of concern for public and traffic safety. The costs incurred by the City of Hamilton in relation to the clean up was under $5000.

Hamilton Police Service have started a criminal investigation into the incident. At this time, one person has been identified and arrested in relation to the criminal code offence of Mischief Under $5000, contrary to Section 430(4) of the Criminal Code of Canada.

As a police service, we acknowledge the need for public engagement and dialogue on issues facing our community such as systemic racism and discrimination. We recognize the right to lawful, peaceful assembly and protest. However, we remind the public that defacing public property is a criminal act and subject to charges.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with this investigation, you are asked to contact Detective Higginbottom at (905) 546-3816 or Det/Sgt David Oleniuk at (905) 546-3833.

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

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, approximately 200 individuals attended the Indigenous Freedom Rally, which began at City Hall and then moved to Gore Park. Around 2:15 p.m., a female was seen scaling the statue to tie ropes, which were then used to pull the statue down. There were no reported injuries. Once the statue was on the ground, further damage was caused using spray paint, a hammer, and a grinder. The damage is estimated to be in excess of $5,000.

Due to the size of the crowd, police remained on scene to monitor the event. The crowd eventually dispersed at 3:00 p.m.

On August 15, 2021, several images of suspects believed to be involved in the mischief were released to the media. As a result, Hamilton Police received numerous tips to help identify the suspect and grounds were established to arrest a 56-year-old male from Toronto.

Charged:

• Miguel Martin Avila-Valarde
• Mischief Over $5,000

He was released on an undertaking and will appear in court at a later date.

The investigation is ongoing and Hamilton Police anticipate laying further charges. If you have any information that can help with this investigation, please call Detective Sergeant Dave Oleniuk at 905-546-3833.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit an anonymous tip online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, approximately 200 individuals attended the Indigenous Freedom Rally, which began at City Hall and then moved to Gore Park. Around 2:15 p.m., a female was seen scaling the statue to tie ropes, which were then used to pull the statue down. There were no reported injuries. Once the statue was on the ground, further damage was caused using spray paint, a hammer, and a grinder.

Due to the size of the crowd, police remained on scene to monitor the event. The crowd eventually dispersed at 3:00 p.m.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect 1 - Female, white, pink wig, blue baseball hat, mask

Suspect 2 - Olive green hat, sunglasses dark long sleeve shirt

Suspect 3- Male camouflage hat, sunglasses, and denim vest

Suspect 4 - Female black tank top, blonde hair, cell phone left hand

Hamilton Police are speaking to witnesses and reviewing video evidence to identify the suspects. If you have any information that can help with this investigation, please call Detective Sergeant Dave Oleniuk at 905 546 3833 or Divisional Detectives at 905 546 3818

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

Approximately 200 individuals attended the Indigenous Freedom Rally which began at City Hall and then moved to Gore Park. At approximately 2:15 p.m. an individual scaled the statue to tie ropes, which were then used to pull the statue down. There were no reported injuries.

Due to the size of the crowd, police remained on scene to monitor the event.

The crowd dispersed at 3:00 p.m. and police remain on scene pending the removal of the statue by City of Hamilton.

At this time, no arrests have been made and Hamilton Police continue to investigate.

If you have information that can help with this investigation, please Detective Ross Johnson at 905-546-3816.

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

On Monday, November 9, 2020, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Hamilton Police received a report regarding mischief to the Sir John A. Macdonald Statue located in Gore Park, 1 Hughson Street South. Once on scene, police noted the statue was primarily covered in red paint. The immediate area was cordoned off and City of Hamilton officials were contacted. The area was processed and the statue was cleaned. 

Detectives from the Central Division Criminal Investigations Branch have reviewed the information gathered and now believe that between 1:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on Monday morning, a handful of people were involved in a disturbance in the area of the statue.

The investigation remains ongoing as efforts are focused on identifying the individuals responsible for the crime.

Investigators are asking anyone who was driving through the area at the time and area residents to check their surveillance cameras for any suspicious activity and to contact Detective Constable Kevin Jones by calling 905-546-3821 or Detective Sergeant Dave Oleniuk by calling 905-546-3833.

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

Between mid-July and mid-August, individuals illegally entered a Dundas secondary school on three occasions. While inside the building they caused damage and stole property.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020, shortly before 4:00 a.m., three male suspects gained access to a Dundas secondary school by smashing a glass window. Prior to fleeing the scene, the suspects spray-painted racial slurs and symbols in several areas and stole the master keys to the building.

On Sunday, July 19, 2020, shortly before 4:00 a.m., the same male suspects returned with the master keys and gained entry into the school. The suspects were accompanied by two more individuals. The group stole various school items and fled the scene.

On Saturday, August 15, 2020, shortly before 4:00 a.m., the same male suspects forced entry into the school by smashing a glass door. The suspects once again stole various school items and fled.

Detectives from the Hamilton Police BEAR Unit have continued to investigate this series of break and enter incidents. After reviewing the information collected, police are looking to identify five individuals.

SUSPECT#1 – Male, light complexion, medium build, tall, short light brown/dirty blonde hair, and wears eyeglasses. This suspect was involved in all three entries.

SUSPECT #2 – Male, light complexion, short, stalky build. This suspect was involved in the first two entries

SUSPECT #3 – Male, light complexion, tall, thin build, brown hair. This male was involved in all three entries and sometimes wore eyeglasses.

SUSPECT #4 – Male, light complexion, medium build, tall, black hair wavy on top and shorter on the sides. This male was involved in the second entry

SUSPECT #5 – Female, light complexion, small build, thin, brown hair. This suspect was involved in the second entry.

If you have any information on the identity of the above-pictured suspects or any other information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into these crimes, you are asked to contact Detective Constable Sarah Ricker at 905-546-8938 or Acting Detective Sergeant Frank De Vuono at 905 546-2991 of the B.E.A.R. unit.

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

On July 23, 2020, shortly after 12:30 p.m., a group of approximately one hundred people attended the area of Main Street West in front of Hamilton City Hall. The group closed the street using their own vehicles for protection and some participants proceeded to paint the words Defund the Police on the roadway using household paint and tools.

Upon completion, the City of Hamilton used a private contractor to clean the paint from the roadway out of concern for public and traffic safety. The costs incurred by the City of Hamilton in relation to the clean up were in excess of $5000.

Hamilton Police Service began a criminal investigation into the incident on July 24, 2020. To date, we have identified five persons with varying levels of involvement.

At this time, we have chosen to exercise discretion in this matter and as such, the five individuals were cautioned in relation to the criminal code offence of Mischief over $5000, contrary to Section 430(3) of the Criminal Code.

As a police service, we acknowledge the need for public engagement and dialogue on issues facing our community such as systemic racism and discrimination, as well as how police respond to homelessness, harm reduction and mental illness. We recognize the right to lawful, peaceful assembly and protest. However, we remind the public that defacing public property is a criminal act and subject to charges.

As a result of efforts by Hamilton Police detectives, four males have been identified in the graffiti incident.

On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, two males, both 19-years-of-age were arrested and interviewed. Their roles in the incident were established and they were subsequently released unconditionally.

On Thursday, October 10, 2019, Hamilton Police arrested two additional males, both 19-years-of-age. They have been charged with Mischief Under $5000.00 in relation to the incident.

CHARGED

• Blake Trautman, 19-years-of-age, from Hamilton
• Court date- November 7, 2019

CHARGE

• Mischief under $5000

CHARGED

• Liam Greaves, 19-years-of-age, from Hamilton
• Court date- November 5, 2019

CHARGE

• Mischief under $5000

Reporting hate crimes and incidents is an important step in stopping the cycle of hatred and preventing others from being victimized. It is also important for police to be aware of hate crime so that analysis can be done to ensure appropriate actions are taken and resources put in place.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Chambers by calling 905-546-3833.

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

On Thursday, August 8, 2019, shortly before 7:30 p.m., Hamilton Police officers were called to the area of James Street South and Hunter Street East for reports of a male smashing windows with a pole. Once on scene police observed several damaged windows to a building located at the intersection. The male had left the scene and was reported walking northbound on James Street. Witnesses provided police with a description of the male and a short time later he was located at a local business. He was arrested without incident and taken into police custody. In total, twenty windows along the north, east and south sides of the building were damaged.

The replacement of windows and cleanup costs are expected to be more than $5000.

The 30-year-old male is scheduled to appear at the John Sopinka Courthouse later today to answer to the charge of mischief over $5000.

CHARGED

• 30-year-old man of no fixed address

CHARGES

• Mischief over $5000

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact the Division One Staff Sergeant’s office by calling 905-546-4725.

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

On June 28, 2019, the group arrived at approximately 7:15 a.m. and planted signs on the lawn stating, “The mayor doesn’t care about Queer People.” The group also banged on the door and shouted obscenities. The group remained for approximately 15 minutes before dispersing.

A 33-year-old female is facing the following charges:

• Theft under $5,000
• Criminal harassment
• Cause disturbance
• Mischief

Bail has been opposed.

Hamilton Police continue to investigate the incident and more charges may be forthcoming. If you have any information that you believe could assist police with the investigation, you are asked to contact the Hamilton Police Service by calling 905-546-2929.

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

On Monday, May 13, 2019, shortly after midnight, two police were cruisers were damaged as they were parked on King William Street near Police Headquarters.

Through investigation, police identified a male who had visited the station earlier in the evening where he caused a disturbance. The male left the building and returned to smash out windows to two police cruisers. He was located a short time later in a bus shelter at King Street East and John Street North. The male was arrested without incident. When searched by police he was found to be in possession of an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was taken into police custody where it was discovered he was bound by a probation order. His arrest signified a violation of that order.

The male is scheduled to appear in court today to answer to several criminal charges.

Total damage value to be determined.

CHARGED

• 34-year-old man of no fixed address

CHARGES

• Mischief under $5000.00 X2
• Possession of a controlled substance-Methamphetamine
• Fail to comply with Probation Order

On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, shortly before 11:00 p.m., Hamilton Police responded to reports of a street disturbance in the area of Sherman Avenue north of Barton Street East. Prior to police arrival, people believed to be involved in the incident were observed fleeing through an alley, west of Sherman Avenue. Once on scene police became aware of a disturbance at a nearby residence on Barton Street. They attended the location and with the front door already open continued to hear screaming and disorder. In order to check on the safety of the occupants, police entered the residence and discovered three males who claimed to have been assaulted with an aerosol irritant. The males also displayed minor injuries believed to have been obtained in a physical altercation prior to police presence. Further information surrounding that incident was not provided to police.

Through investigation, police learned the males were involved in the original disturbance. Evidence was gathered to support their roles in damaging a residence on Sherman Avenue; several windows and a door affected, valued at approximately $1000.  

The males were arrested and taken into police custody. They were subsequently released and are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, May 13, 2019, to answer to the charge of Mischief.

CHARGED

• 23-year-old Hamilton man
• 24-year-old Hamilton man
• 27-year-old Hamilton man

CHARGED

• All charged with one count of mischief under $5000

On Thursday, April 4, 2019, shortly before 2:00 a.m., Hamilton Police received information about a male checking car door handles in the area of Cannon Street East and Oak Avenue. Additionally, the witness informed police that his vehicle had been entered and detailed the items taken. Police attended the area and located a male matching the description of the suspect. He had shards of glass attached to his clothing. At the same time, a vehicle was located a couple of doors down the road with a side window smashed. The male was arrested for the mischief and when searched he was found to be in possession of the stolen items. He was advised of the charge for theft and possession of stolen property.

A further investigation of the male revealed he was bound by three probation orders as well as on a court release for a similar offence. He was taken into police custody and will appear in court today to answer to several charges.

Hamilton Police have been investigating several occurrences below the escarpment that are considered to be similar in nature. As a result of this arrest, police are reviewing those incidents for any connections to this suspect.

CHARGED

• 48-year-old Hamilton man

CHARGES

• Mischief under $5000
• Theft under $5000
• Possession stolen property under $5000
• Fail to comply probation X3

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Lisa Chambers by calling 905-546-3833 or Detective Amanda Gill at 905-546-3818.

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

On Thursday, May 17, 2018 shortly after 10:00 a.m., a Hamilton man was attempting to park his vehicle in a parking spot at 675 Upper James Street. At the same time a second vehicle approached the spot. The male finished parking and noticed the second vehicle continue onwards. As he went on to shop his dash cam captured the driver of the second vehicle approach his vehicle, look around suspiciously and then walk closely by with a set of keys in her hand. Simultaneously a loud scratching sound was also captured by the cam.

After a thorough investigation police were able to identify the female driver. A 67-year-old Hamilton woman has been arrested and charged with Mischief under $5000.00. She will appear in court on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 to answer to the charge.

On Saturday, March 3, 2018, at approximately 10:00 p.m., police responded to reports of a large group causing mischief in the Durand neighbourhood. A group of about 30 individuals dressed in black clothing with their faces covered, walked through the streets carrying a banner that said, “We Are The Ungovernables.” The group began setting off fireworks, damaging vehicles and throwing rocks at store windows.

Police received further evidence linking the Anarchist Book Fair at Westdale Secondary School on March 3-4, 2018, to the events that took place on the evening of March 3, 2018.

Hamilton Police have already arrested and charged a 31-year-old Hamilton resident for “Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence.”

Another six individuals have now been identified in connection to the Locke Street events. Hamilton Police have arrested:

Jack Duckworth, 23-years-old from Hamilton. Charged with Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Mischief Over $5000

Tammy Kovich, 32-years-old from Hamilton. Charged with Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Mischief Over $5000, Conspiracy to Commit Mischief, Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Counsel Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Counsel Mischief

Tyler Nadeau, 26-years-old, from Montreal. Charged with Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Counsel Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Counsel Mischief, Mischief Under $5000 (x3) and Mischief Over $5000 (x3)

Warrants have also been issued for the following individuals:

Alexander Balch, 34-years-old from Hamilton. Wanted for Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Mischief Over $5,000

Matthew Lowell-Pelletier, 31-years-old from Hamilton. Wanted for Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Mischief Over $5,000. In addition, a separate warrant has been issued for charges of Mischief related to Barton Street.

David Prychitka, 34-years-old from Hamilton. Wanted for Unlawful Assembly While Masked, Mischief Over $5,000, Counsel Unlawful Assembly While Masked.

Hamilton Police Service thanks the public for their support in providing information and video related to the events that took place on March 3-4, 2018. The information by the public and the work of Hamilton Police investigators led to today’s arrests. Hamilton Police also thank the Service de Police de la Ville de Montreal and the RCMP Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Niagara detachment for their assistance.

If you have any information that you believe could assist Police with the investigation into this crime you are asked to contact Det. Simpson by calling 905-546-3816.

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

On April 20, 2018, just before 12:00 a.m., Hamilton Police responded to a male smashing car windows in the area of Kitty Murray Lane, Ancaster.

On arrival, police found a 22-year-old male who was identified by members of the public as having broken multiple car windows.

Charged:

22-year-old male from Ancaster

Charges:

• Mischief Under $5000 X3
• Further charges are pending

It was discovered that 17 vehicles in the area had their windows damaged by this male.

The Hamilton Police would like to remind the public to remove all valuables from their vehicles overnight; at other times valuables should be locked in the trunk or taken from the vehicle with you.

We would also like to remind the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1 and continuing to observe the activity. Approaching suspicious persons suspected of breaking into vehicles or homes may present safety risk and should be avoided.

Anyone who may have information regarding this incident can call Acting Detective Sergeant Jason Leek 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

Media Inquiries:

Acting Detective Jason Leek

Criminal Investigation Division – Mountain Station

(905) 546-3851

Authority:

Constable Lorraine Edwards #80 - Media Relations Officer

On March 7, 2018, CHCH news aired a story on graffiti mischief in the area of Ottawa Street.  As a result of the video footage that was shared during the news story, Hamilton Police were able to identify the male and make an arrest.

Charges: 

• Mischief under $5000 (Damaging Property) x 5

The accused has been released on a Promise to Appear and an Undertaking with conditions.  He is expected to attend John Sopinka Courthouse on April 10, 2018 to answer to his charges.

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

Authority:

Constable Lorraine Edwards #80 - Media Relations