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Hamilton Police Arrest Five Amid Rising Gun Violence

In a recent initiative aimed at addressing a surge in gun-related incidents, the Hamilton police have made five new arrests during their ongoing investigations. This effort is part of a comprehensive response by the Shooting Response Team (SRT) to combat the alarming rise in shootings within the city, which has recorded a historic 54 incidents.

As part of these efforts, authorities have confiscated 328 firearms and 70 restricted weapons. Many of these weapons have reportedly been modified to enable high-capacity firing, raising concerns about their increased lethality.

During a recent press conference, Supt. Marty Schulenberg acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “Sadly, this is a reality we are seeing on the streets.” Among those arrested is a 25-year-old man charged with allowing a six-year-old child to handle a firearm on August 13, 2023. The weapon discharged, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury to the adult. He faces multiple charges, including public mischief and the careless use of a firearm, although the weapon involved has not yet been recovered.

Despite the active measures being taken, Det. Matthew Dugdale expressed frustration over the “lack of cooperation” from witnesses, which he views as a significant challenge to their investigations. He emphasized the importance of community engagement in tackling the issue of gun violence.

Community Involvement Urged

Supt. Schulenberg underscored the critical role of the community in ensuring the safety of Hamilton, especially during this unprecedented increase in violence. “There is still much work to be done,” he noted. He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.

In light of these events, anyone with information regarding recent shootings is encouraged to contact the Hamilton police to aid in ongoing investigations.

Source
globalnews.ca