Emerald shooting suspect escapes Hamilton police
A potentially armed and dangerous man wanted in connection with a robbery and shooting slipped through the grasp of Hamilton police Tuesday night, after escaping through a doorway at an east city residence.
Donavan Hines, 19, is wanted on robbery, firearms and aggravated assault charges after three people tried to rob a man in his 20s inside an Emerald Street North apartment Monday night. The victim fought back and was shot in the neck — resulting in a non-life-threatening wound.
A little after 7 p.m. Tuesday — hours after police publicly released Hines’ image — officers attended a residence believed to be associated with the 19-year-old on Cedar Avenue at the corner of Afton Avenue just west of Gage Park, said police spokesperson Const. Jerome Stewart.
As officers got to the building, they were approached by two males “and got into an altercation” that was “brief” and “was not verbal,” he said. No officers were hurt.
One of the men, believed to be Hines, fled through a doorway, Stewart said. The officers initially didn’t recognize him, as he had shaved his beard and his hair was in loose curls.
Officers, realizing it was Hines, retreated, secured the residence and called for backup.
“Donavan Hines is considered to be armed and dangerous so we had to have the necessary resources at the scene in order to effect a safe arrest,” Stewart said.
However, in the time it took to set up, including bringing in emergency response unit officers, Hines escaped.
It’s unclear exactly how he escaped and there is no known last direction of travel.
The second male, who was allegedly helping Hines, was arrested. It’s unclear if he is also connected with the robbery and shooting. He has not been charged.
A second warrant has also been issued for a 17-year-old female in the shooting and robbery. She cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. A third suspect, described as a skinny white male, between 17 and 20, with brown hair, is also outstanding.
The shooting on Monday marked the fifth in Hamilton this year. There were 40 shootings last year, up from 22 in 2016, 14 in 2015 and seven in 2014.
Anyone who sees Hines is cautioned to not approach him, but call 911. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton Police Criminal Investigations Branch Det. Sgt. Mike Cunliffe at 905-546-3833. To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.