Loaded gun recovered after dispensary heist

Hamilton police have recovered a loaded handgun believed to have been used during a robbery at a James Street North marijuana dispensary Tuesday night.

Police recovered the gun Wednesday after it was found on a resident’s property, along with additional evidence discarded while the perpetrators attempted to flee, police said. The canine unit arrested three suspects near the scene at Delta Nine, 303 James St. N., shortly after the 11:30 p.m. robbery Tuesday night.

Police are still searching for one other suspect, described as a black male with a slim build, between five-foot-eight and five-foot-10.

Police thanked the public for their help, including witnesses who provided detailed information about where the suspects ran, and the resident who found the gun.

With the recovery of the gun, police have updated charges against the three accused. In addition to earlier robbery charges, they now face charges of careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm knowing it was unauthorized, and possession of a restricted firearm with readily available ammunition.

Daniel Hirtle, 21, of Hamilton, is also charged with two counts of possession of a firearm contrary to an order. A 17-year-old male from Peel Region is also charged with of pointing a firearm. Neither he, nor the other charged 17-year-old male from Hamilton, can be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Ryan Hay at 905-981-6976 or Det. Staff Sgt. Emidio Evangelista at 905-5462991, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.