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‘This is unacceptable’ 7-year-old boy shot in Hamilton

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Hamilton police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a seven-year-old boy was shot inside an east-end home Thursday night.

Officers were called to a home on Gordon St. near Barton St. and Gage Ave. at 7:53 p.m.

Police say the young boy was inside the home on the main floor when “multiple gunshots” were fired into the house from the back yard.

Investigators believe the gunman fled from the yard to an awaiting vehicle on Gordon St. The car is described as a light-coloured, four-door sedan which was last seen heading eastbound on Gordon St.

The child was rushed to hospital where he remains in stable condition with his family by his side.

Last night following the shooting, Deputy Chief Frank Bergen said the rise in gun violence is taking a toll on the community.

“This is unacceptable,” said Bergen. “This is a time when our community has to stop and understand what the proliferation of guns is doing in our community,” he said. “We hear a great deal with problems in the GTA and we are now talking about a sidewalk within our community that’s also affected by this.”

A neighbour told CHCH News he ran over to the home when he heard the boy’s mother screaming. He said the boy appeared to be shot in the stomach and hand.

During a news conference Friday morning, Det. Sgt. Jim Callender said the child was struck at least once but suffered two injuries. He said police are still trying to determine if it was one bullet or two that struck the child.

Investigators believe the home was targeted but the boy was “an unintended victim.”

Callender added there were three adults inside the home as well as a second child who was not hurt.

Police have not released a suspect description and have made no arrests.

“This is one of these examples of coming out of a year of 47 shootings. We have already had three shootings to date in 2020. This is our first victim. A seven-year-old is not acceptable,” said Bergen “The public needs to come together to make sure, if you have seen anything, say something.”

Counc. Nrinder Nann said in a post on Twitter that she was “horrified” to hear a child was shot in her ward.

In a statement to CHCH News, the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) said they do not know if the child attended one of their schools but support will be offered to any students who need it. “Our thoughts are with the family and the young child who was victim of gun violence last night. We are deeply concerned this took place in our community. We are wishing the child a full recovery. The name has not been released by the police. We’re unable at this time to confirm that the child is a student with HWDSB. In situations like these, support is available to students who express a need when distressing events such as this impact the school community,” said the HWDSB.

Hamilton police are continuing to canvass the area for evidence and video surveillance. Any businesses or residents with video cameras or anyone who may have witnessed the shooting is asked to contact Det. Daryl Reid at 905-546-3825.

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