Daylight shootout in central Hamilton has police seeking witnesses

A brazen, daylight shootout in central Hamilton shut down several city blocks of the Gibson neighbourhood as the city’s police department scoured the area searching for clues.

The initial shooting broke out shortly before 5 p.m. Monday, when police say “multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire” alerted them to the exchange taking place near Kinrade Avenue at Barton Street East.

“We flooded the neighbourhood with officers on discovering that there were two males, seemed to be on foot, and they were shooting at — at least — one other male in a vehicle,” Const. Shawn Blaj said.

“That vehicle fled, and it crashed into an uninvolved motorist travelling eastbound, here on Wilson.”

Several witnesses reported to police that they had witnessed “several” individuals exchanging gunfire. On Tuesday morning, investigators confirmed that bullets were found in “buildings, vehicles, garages and on roadways.”

There have been no reported injuries at this time.

Nearby the crime scene, police say they located an abandoned vehicle that they believe was involved in the incident.

At this time, there have been no arrests made and the shooters remain at large. Police say it is too early in the investigation to release an accurate description of the suspects and will provide an update once one becomes available.

This incident prompted a heavy response from the force, which included its K9 unit, emergency response team, shooting task force, and forensic investigators.

Authorities on scene called the cordoned-off area “extensive,” which spanned from Wilson Street and Birch Avenue to Cannon Street at Sherman Avenue.

Police could be seen canvassing the neighbourhood for video Monday evening, and Blaj says he encourages anyone who may have seen anything or who has surveillance footage to come forward.

Specifically, residents with CCTV systems are asked to review footage between 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.

Anyone with additional information that may assist police in the investigation is asked to contact them by phone at 905-546-4883 or by email at shootingresponseteam@hamiltonpolice.ca.

Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

– With files from Emily Tayler

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