‘Quite violent’ man leaps counter at city hall

Staff threatened but not hurt in violent incident, city manager says; police arrest 50-year-old

Security is heightened at Hamilton city hall after an angry visitor allegedly leaped over a service counter and threatened staff.

He “got quite violent with staff and threatening,” city manager Janette Smith said.

The episode played out on the main floor by the business service area last Friday.

“It’s quite wide ope n and he jumped over the counter,” Smith said.

Staff, who weren’t injured, left the area. Security guards and police responded, she said.

Some staff have since been working on the seventh floor, Smith said.

“And so we just have some extra security to ensure staff are safe.”

The man was “swinging around a metal post that was part of a velvet rope barrier used for blocking off a large art piece,” police spokesperson J ackie Penma n said.

“He smashed the post against the wall leaving marks on the wall and denting the post.”

Smith said an ornate Italian cart on display in the lobby was damaged.

She didn’t know what sparked the angry outburst but noted the man had been to city hall before. “And it just escalated.”

There were “a few underlying factors,” said Carlyle Khan, general manager of public works.

“Now he understands there’s consequences and hopefully stays away.”

Police arrested a 50-year-old man and charged him with mischief under $5,000. He was also issued three tickets under the Trespass to Property Act, Penman noted.

Changes are in order for the service counters as part of an overall city hall security revamp that includes bollards that are to be installed on the forecourt, Smith said.