NEWS RELEASE
HAMILTON POLICE
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Hamilton Police have arrested and charged several youths in connection to ongoing tensions between high schools.
On Monday November 25, 2024 Police were called to the area of Upper Sherman and Rymal Road for a disturbance involving multiple students from Nora Henderson high school and St Jean de Brebeuf high school. Physical violence had erupted, and bear spray was discharged by some of the parties in attendance causing numerous injuries. Traffic was also disrupted as a result of melee. One adult was charged with Assault level one, one youth was diverted for Assault with a weapon, and four other youths were diverted for Assault level one.
On Monday December 2, 2024 a student at St Jean de Brebeuf Catholic Secondary was charged after they were found to be expelling a can of bear spray into a school drain causing mischief to the property. The student now faces charges of Possession of a prohibited weapon, Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and Mischief to property.
Lastly, on Tuesday December 3, 2024 Police presence was requested to Ancaster Community Center located at 385 Jerseyville Road West for another large gathering of students from Ancaster High School, Bishop Tonnos High School, and St Thomas More High School. A fight broke out and some of the involved parties utilized bear spray against the opposing sides. Police charged one youth with Possession of a prohibited weapon and Assault with a weapon, while three youths were diverted for possessing a prohibited weapon.
In conjunction with criminal charges and diversions, the accused parties in each of these incidents have also been suspended by their respective school.
For reference, the Criminal Code states that any spray is a weapon if used in a manner to administer a noxious substance upon someone. Hamilton Police is committed to addressing incidents involving bear spray/mace and will consider weapon related charges if the totality of the circumstances demonstrate that the spray has been utilized as a weapon.
If you have any information that you feel will help Police with this investigation, please contact the Division 3 on-duty Staff Sergeant at 905-546-3886. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, please consider reaching out to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at Crime Stoppers Hamilton's Website.
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