Tim Hortons peppered with bullets as police investigate 3 shootings in 12 hours
At least 5 bullets hit a central Hamilton Tim Hortons restaurant, no one was hurt
Police are investigating after three shootings in central Hamilton in just 12 hours.
In one, a Tim Hortons restaurant at the corner of Cannon Street East and Sanford Avenue North was peppered with bullets.
Photos from the scene show at least five bullet holes punched into the wall of the restaurant near an advertisement for breakfast sandwiches. Police were called to the outlet just before 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Investigators say they've determined a "disturbance" between a group of men led to shots being fired. Police say all the men involved fled before they arrived, but they belive all the people involved knew each other and that the shooting was targeted.
A small, silver SUV is believed to be connected to one of the suspects.
A fry truck appears to have also been hit and shell casings can be seen littering the ground.
There were no injuries, according to investigators.
A heavy police response, including forensic officers, detectives and police dogs were all on the scene.
Just hours later, around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers were called to a third shooting nearby, this time at a parking lot in the area of East Avenue and King Street East. Police say a black four-door car sped away from the scene.
Evidence that a shooting had taken place was found in a nearby alley, said police, but again everyone involved left the area before officers arrived.
No one was injured in either shooting. Police say they're continuing to investigate.
Both incidents involving shots fired came within hours of a separate shooting in the area that saw two schools being placed in hold and secure Tuesday afternoon.
Cathy Wever Elementary School and Cathedral High School were locked up after police were called to the area of Wentworth and Cannon Streets around 12:30 p.m. for reports of shots being fired.
Police say a man was arrested after a short chase and a firearm was seized. There were no injuries.
Investigators say they currently don't have any evidence the three shootings are linked. They're asking anyone with information about any of the incidents to contact them or Crime Stoppers.