Hamilton Police have charged two youths following an assault on the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail that is believed to be hate-motivated.

On October 6, 2026, shortly after 7:00 p.m., police responded to the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail behind University Plaza after receiving reports that two youths were threatening members of a running group.

During the incident, a coach with the running group approached and attempted to intervene. The two youths turned their attention toward him, allegedly threatening him and repeatedly making comments about his race and perceived ethnicity.

The male youth then allegedly grabbed the victim and punched him several times in the head. The victim sustained minor injuries.

When police arrived, the two youths fled on foot. Officers located them a short distance away on the rail trail and placed them under arrest.

As a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old Hamilton male and a 17-year-old Hamilton female have each been charged with:

• Uttering Threats to Cause Bodily Harm or Death
• Assault

Both youths were released on Undertakings into the care of their respective parents.

Under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the identities of the accused cannot be released.

The incident has been referred to the Hamilton Police Hate Crime Unit for review.

Hate-motivated incidents can have a significant impact beyond the individual victim, affecting the sense of safety of the broader community. Hamilton Police take reports of hate-motivated incidents seriously and remain committed to thoroughly investigating these incidents.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact Hamilton Police Mountain Station at 905-546-3886. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton's Website.