Police arrest 15-year-old with a loaded handgun in downtown Hamilton

Police have arrested a 15-year-old Hamilton boy who was carrying a loaded handgun in the downtown core.

Hamilton Police Media Relations Officers were returning to the police station in an unmarked vehicle on October 31 when they saw a young male run across the street and begin assaulting another male.

The officer’s got out of their car and began approaching the two males on foot as the fight continued.

Out of view from the officers, one of the males was seen pointing a loaded handgun at the other.

Once he saw the officers, the boy tucked the firearm inside his shirt and started to run west along York Boulevard towards Bay Street North.

One officer pursued him on foot and the boy was arrested.

Police found a loaded handgun, additional ammunition and a knife in the boy’s possession. Police say the handgun appears to have been a flare gun that was modified to fire and shoot small ammunition rounds.

He has been charged with assault, pointing a firearm, possession of a prohibited weapon, carry concealed Weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.