Four teenagers arrested after disturbance at Central Library
Part of handgun shown during dispute, police told
Four teenage boys, ranging in age from 14 to 16, have been charged after an argument at the Central Library — and at least one teen is said to have flashed a handgun.
Police were called to the “disturbance” involving six teens at the York Boulevard library around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Const. Jerome Stewart.
Police were told one of the boys flashed what appeared to be the butt end of a handgun.
When officers arrived everyone had fled.
More than an hour later, around 8 p.m., one of the teens was allegedly involved in another disturbance at the food court at Jackson Square. The teens once again fled before police arrived, but when one was spotted police gave chase.
With help from the public, police were able to arrest four of the boys, Stewart said.
One handgun and drugs were allegedly seized.
The teens are not talking to police and investigators do not know what the arguments were about, he said.
A 15-year-old boy is facing several firearms charges.
A 14-year-old boy is facing several firearms charges, five counts of failing to comply with court orders and possession of marijuana.
A 16-year-old boy is charged with possession of cocaine and four counts of failing to comply with court orders.
A 16-year-old boy is charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and proceeds of crime under $5,000.
None can be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Hamilton has experienced an increase in gun violence in recent years, including a high of 40 shootings last year, up from 22 shootings in 2016, 14 in 2015 and seven in 2014.
There have been two shootings so far this year.
Hamilton police have said they believe there are more guns on city streets and that most shooting incidents are “targeted.”
Many of those carrying illegal guns are involved in the illegal drug subculture, police say.
Experts who study gun violence say many marginalized young people who carry guns do so for protection or for social standing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Pete Harding at 905-546-4861. To remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.