Hamilton stabbings arrest, cannabis raids, and two sex assault charges
A 24-year-old was arrested after two random stabbings in Hamilton's downtown. Separately, two men face sexual assault charges involving underage victims in Toronto.
Hamilton man arrested after two random downtown stabbings; cannabis dispensaries shut down
A 24-year-old man was arrested Thursday night following two separate stabbings in Hamilton's downtown core, Toronto Sun Crime reports. Police also shut down two illegal cannabis dispensaries and two men in Toronto face sexual assault charges involving underage victims.
Random stabbings on James St. and York Blvd.
Hamilton Police responded to a report of a stabbing near 70 James St. at approximately 8 p.m. Thursday. Officers found a 37-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. He was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Within minutes, a second stabbing was reported near 94 York Blvd. A 39-year-old man was found with serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to hospital.
Officers en route to the scenes located a man matching the suspect description walking west on York Blvd., allegedly with a knife in hand. They conducted a high-risk takedown and took him into custody without further incident.
The accused, whose name was not released, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, three counts of failure to comply with probation and one count of failure to comply with a release order. Police believe both attacks were unprovoked and entirely random.
As of October 1, Hamilton Police had recorded 15 random stabbings in the city so far this year.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Division 10 Staff Sgt. at 905-546-4725.
Two illegal cannabis dispensaries raided
Hamilton Police also shut down two illegal cannabis dispensaries on Thursday following the execution of search warrants.
One of the targeted locations, at 45 Wellington St. N., had already been searched two weeks earlier — only to reopen the following day. After that first raid, the building owner was notified. On Thursday, officers returned, shut down the operation and barred entry to the premises, including the building owner.
A 27-year-old Hamilton man faces charges of selling cannabis without authorization, possession of illicit cannabis, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling and proceeds of crime. His name was not released.
A second warrant was executed at 1142 Barton St. E. A 24-year-old man — also unnamed — is charged with possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, trafficking in controlled tobacco, possession of illicit cannabis, possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling and selling cannabis without authorization.
Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen issued a direct warning to operators of illegal dispensaries. "Our message to illegal cannabis operators is clear: we are coming for you. Reopening after police enforcement will bring further action," Bergen said. He added that building owners who knowingly allow illegal businesses to operate on their properties should "expect scrutiny and enforcement where warranted. You cannot simply collect the rent and ignore what is happening on your property."
Approximately 30 illegal cannabis dispensaries are believed to be operating in Hamilton.
78-year-old charged with sexual assault at Scarborough school
A 78-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault that allegedly took place at a Scarborough school on Tuesday.
Toronto Police say a man attended a school open house in the area of Guildwood Pkwy. and Livingston Rd. — near Scarborough Golf Club and Kingston Rd. — where he allegedly sexually assaulted an underage victim on the premises. Police allege the victim was able to stop the assault and the man fled on foot.
Investigators identified a suspect and released his photo on Wednesday. Riaz Ahmed was located and arrested on Friday. He is charged with two counts each of sexual assault and sexual interference.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-7474.
Toronto man charged with sexual assault of minor in Etobicoke
A 27-year-old Toronto man is accused of sexually assaulting an underage victim in Etobicoke, also on Tuesday.
Toronto Police say a man approached an underage victim in the underground garage of an apartment building, spoke to the victim and then allegedly carried out a sexual assault. The victim was able to get away and flee the scene.
Investigators identified a suspect and released his photo on Thursday. Mohamed Khalif Jire, of Toronto, was arrested the same day. He is charged with one count each of sexual assault, sexual interference and forcible confinement.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police at 416-808-7474.
Source: Toronto Sun Crime