Hamilton court goes into lockdown after man seen with handgun

Hamilton police have charged a 29-year-old man who was allegedly seen carrying a firearm, which prompted a nearby courthouse to go into lockdown.

Officers say they responded to reports of an unknown man walking westbound on King St. East with a handgun shortly after 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

Investigators say a witness in the area saw a black handgun fall out the man’s pocket onto the ground. He then picked up the firearm and concealed it in his jacket.

Police found a person matching the description near a small encampment in the area of Gore Park in possession of a pellet gun.

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Drugs were also found when officers searched the suspect before his arrest.

Phillip Arsenault, 29, of Hamilton has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon and possession for the purpose (fentanyl), among others.

Anyone with additional information about this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-546-4725.

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