Hamilton police arrest two men after separate violent incidents in city’s downtown core

Hamilton police have arrested two people after two separate violent incidents in downtown Hamilton Tuesday afternoon, one of which resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm.

Officers say at around 2:10 p.m. in the area of King and James streets, near the Frank A. Cooke Transit Terminal, a man had allegedly stabbed four people.

Investigators say the victims were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Detectives arrested 43-year-old Oscar Ayala of Hamilton, and charged him with four counts of assault with a weapon.

Police say the victims were not targeted.

READ MORE: Man charged after four stabbed at downtown Hamilton bus terminal

Officers say moments after arresting Ayala, a man was reported to have been brandishing a firearm inside a business on King Street near Caroline Street.

Investigators say the victim of this incident was not injured and was able to provide a detailed description of the suspect.

“The officers were able to mobilize and head over that way, and thanks to a very good suspect description, they located him quickly and were able to arrest him without incident, and found in his possession a loaded firearm,” said Hamilton Police Supt. Robin Abbott. “I just want to reiterate that there’s a lot of police presence in the downtown.”

Detectives say they had arrested a 21-year-old Hamilton man.

Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police, or to reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.

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