Paramedic service to be reviewed in fatal shooting
Good Samaritan, 19, killed trying to help older man
Hamilton’s emergency services have launched an investigation after witnesses said paramedics responding to the fatal shooting of Yosif Al-Hasnawi Saturday night grabbed the Good Samaritan and shook him at the scene, not believing his injuries were real. Mohamed Alhilo and Mohammed Hasan, who were at the central Hamilton mosque with Al-Hasnawi, said they ran to where the 19-yearold was lying on the ground, following behind his father and two teenage brothers, when they heard he had been shot.
“They were grabbing him and they started shaking him hard,” said 22year-old Alhilo, who had been sitting beside Al-Hasnawi at the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre that night. “I can see his hands clenching very hard, like someone that is hurt.”
Hamilton’s emergency services would not comment on the allegations but have launched an internal investigation. Witnesses said paramedics did not believe the shooting victim’s injuries were real and took their time getting him to hospital — where he died shortly after.
Al-Hasnawi was shot outside the mosque after trying to stop two men from harassing an older man.
Hasan, 25, described Al-Hasnawi as “reacting like his soul was going out.”
“He’s trying to tell us something but his mouth was so dry,” he said.
Amin Al-Tahir, director at the mosque, said the ambulance left the scene without sirens or flashing lights.
“I think if they acted really quickly, they can save his life.”
Hamilton EMS Deputy Chief Russell Crocker promised a thorough investigation and said he could not comment further as it has started. EMS spokesperson Allison Jones said the Ministry of Health will conduct its own investigation.
Hamilton police, meanwhile, have arrested one of two men wanted in connection with Al-Hasnawi’s death.
One suspect, 20, was found at a downtown home and arrested without incident at 3:30 a.m. Monday. James Matheson is charged with accessory after the fact to murder, and made his first appearance in court Monday afternoon.
The other suspect, Dale Burningsky King, 19, is wanted for seconddegree murder. Police are appealing to him to turn himself in.
Al-Hasnawi, the oldest of five children and a first-year Brock University student with aspirations of becoming a doctor, was attending a religious celebration at the mosque when he stepped outside with a friend and a younger brother, said Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk.
Al-Tahir said Al-Hasnawi “died as a hero — he helped somebody he didn’t even know.”
Police are also appealing for more witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Doug Jonovich at 905-5464863 — or to report anything anonymously to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.