"This is not the kind of record we want to set for our city. A small number of individuals continue to engage in reckless behaviour that puts lives at risk. This must stop," says Chief Frank Bergen. 

Gun seizures in Hamilton have become increasingly frequent. On Saturday, September 21, 2024, police responded to a call after a group walking on King Street was confronted by an individual who racked a firearm and pointed it at them. Officers quickly responded and placed the suspect under arrest, they were found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, illicit drugs, and a significant amount of cash.

Since January 2024, Hamilton Police have seized 301 firearms, including 68 restricted weapons. These efforts have led to the arrest of 25 individuals and laid 164 charges. In traffic-related events alone, nine guns have been taken out of circulation.

Hamilton Police continue to encourage anyone with information on illegal guns or activity to come forward to police. Addressing violence in our community requires the active involvement of our entire city. By working together, and sharing information, we can make a significant difference.

Shooting Response Team at 905-546-4883 or email shootingresponseteam@hamiltonpolice.ca.

For anonymous tips, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit tips online at Crime Stoppers.

The SRT has been a year-long pilot project aimed at addressing non-lethal shootings across Hamilton. The team's mission is to tackle incidents of reckless gunfire that result in serious injuries or endanger individuals and properties, enhancing safety in our community.

"Shootings, regardless of whether they result in a victim, significantly compromise our community's feeling of safety. The Shooting Response Team ensures dedicated investigative resources are allocated to address shootings and apprehend those responsible," said Deputy Ryan Diodati.

The move comes in response to an increase in shooting incidents in Hamilton, prompting a need for concentrated investigative efforts. The team focuses on cases of dangerous shootings where individuals may suffer significant harm or where shots are fired recklessly at people or buildings.

To date, the team has carried out 21 investigations, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals for a total of 98 charges.

·         2023 – 35 shootings (21 investigations by SRT)

·         2022 -  45 shootings

·         2021 – 39 shootings

·         2020 – 51 shootings

Shootings often present challenges due to a victim’s reluctance to report, driven by fear of retaliation or criminal involvement. The unit is strategically placed within the Major Drugs and Gangs division, fostering an environment where intelligence from gang, drug, and homicide investigations can be shared efficiently.

“We’ve seen incredible success from the focused work of our SRT. They have been able to make connections between several shootings, as well as take dangerous firearms and offenders off our streets – making our community safer for everyone,” said Diodati.

Hamilton Police continue to encourage people if they “see something, to say something.”  To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

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.