Hamilton police urge witnesses of fatal shooting to come forward

UPDATED

Hamilton police are urging witnesses of a brazen daylight shooting in the city’s downtown core to come forward.

Officers were called to the parking lot of a plaza at the corner of King and Caroline streets just before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Police say two men were hanging out in the parking lot when they were approached by a third male. A short verbal altercation ensued between the men, and shots were fired at the pair.

One of the victims managed to flee the area unharmed but the other died at the scene from gunshot wounds.

Investigators have identified the shooting victim as 19-year-old Sabir Hassen Omer, of Hamilton.

Police say the gunman fled the scene on foot heading southbound on Caroline St. towards Main St. He is described as being roughly five-foot-seven, with a medium build and was wearing dark-coloured clothing and shoes and a mask.

“One shooting is too many but this is another thing when it is happening in broad daylight,” said Det. Sgt. Jim Callander. “We need people to come forward to speak with us and to help us get to the end of this investigation as soon as possible.”

Police believe this was a targeted shooting, however, they do not know the relationship between the shooter and the victims.

Callander said there were roughly 20 passerbys in the lot when the incident occurred. He said police are currently reviewing surveillance videos from the scene and will be out canvassing the area today in hopes of finding additional footage.

This is the city’s 13th homicide of the year.

Anyone with information that could help police with the investigation is asked to contact Hamilton police.

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