16-year-old charged in Hamilton's 17th shooting of the year: police
Police have set up a task force to investigate gun violence
Police have charged a 16-year-old from Hamilton in connection with a shooting that left another teen with serious injuries.
Officers were called about reports of gunfire at 1526 Upper Ottawa Street around 9 p.m. on April 8.
Police arrived and found a 17-year-old bleeding from a gunshot wound, according to a media release.
He was rushed to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, police say.
The 16-year-old was arrested Thursday around 8:30 p.m. after police executed a search warrant at a home near the corner of Upper Ottawa Street and Silverton Drive.
The teen is charged with:
- Robbery with a firearm.
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm.
- Possession of a loaded firearm.
- Pointing a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
- Recklessly discharge of a firearm.
- Careless use of a firearm, assault with a weapon.
- Failure to comply with a recognizance.
Investigators have previously said the recent surge in shooting incidents in Hamilton is connected to the rise of the deadly opioid fentanyl.
In response, police formed a new task force in February to investigate gun violence and drug trafficking in the city.
Police say they're continuing to investigate the incident — the city's 17th shooting so far this year.
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. R. Vanderboom at (905) 546-2377, Det.-Sgt. Marco DelConte at (905)-546-3851 or Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.