Three shootings in about 12 hours in Hamilton

Police say no evidence tying shootings together

Hamilton police are investigating three shootings in the lower city in just over 12 hours.

No one was hurt in any of the shootings, and police say there is no evidence they are connected.

The latest shooting occurred shortly after midnight Wednesday in an alley near King Street East and East Avenue. Police were called to the area for reports of shots and a black, four-door SUV fleeing.

When officers arrived they found shell casings in the alley, confirming a shooting, police said. Everyone had fled before police arrived.

Hours earlier, shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, police were called to the Tim Hortons parking lot at Cannon Street East and Sanford Avenue North for reports of shots fired.

Police believe the shooting occurred during an argument involving a group of males who fled before police arrived.

At least five bullet holes could be seen near a sandwich poster on the wall outside the Tim Hortons, which is open 24 hours.

A small, silver SUV is believed to be tied to one of the people involved, police said.

Police are searching for three people believed to have been involved in the incident, and described them as follows: á male, Asian, late teens, glasses, dark clothing, silver SUV; á male, black, late teens, dark hoodie and shorts, and; á male, Mideastern, late teens.

Police believe they all know each other and the shooting was “targeted.”

Earlier on Tuesday, police arrested a man and seized a gun after a shooting at Wentworth Street North and Cannon Street East around 12:30 p.m. No one was hurt.

The incident, which saw a heavy police presence in the area, led to two nearby schools being placed in hold and secure. Doors were locked at Cathy Wever Elementary School and Cathedral High School until shortly before 1:50 p.m.

School officers were at the schools, and staff and students were safe, police said.

The overnight events brought the total number of shootings in Hamilton so far this year to 37, including four homicides.

There were 25 shootings in Hamilton last year, and 41 in 2017.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Const. Alex Buck at 905546-3816. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.