Hamilton Police looking to link trail assaults to previous crimes

Hamilton police detectives investigating the recent trail attacks in the city say they are opening up historic cases, going back to 2013, to see if there are any connections to previous crimes. Hamilton Police confirm to CHCH News that detectives are looking for links to other attacks within the last 4 years and are urging members of the public with any information to contact them.

28 year old Shane Stevens was arrested and charged with assault, mischief and fail to comply with probation in addition to a sexual assault with a weapon charge. Police believe he is the man responsible for the attacks on the Bruce Trail and Red Hill Trail.

On June 16th police say a woman was jogging on the Bruce Trail when a man approached her from behind armed with a knife and tried to grab her. On June 22nd on the Red Hill Trail a man attempted to grab another woman but she managed to break free and run to her car. Both attacks took place in broad daylight.

Hamilton police announced on Thursday that they were able to connect the two crimes and tie them to Shane Stevens.

Police believe there are more victims and encourage those people to come forward.

Stevens will remain in custody pending a bail hearing. At this time a photo of the accused will not be released. Detective Sergeant Dave Dunbar says, “There may be an opportunity in the future to provide a photograph but at this point it would jeopardize our continuing investigation.”