Hate Crime Unit investigating after teens charged in Hamilton rail trail assault

Hamilton police have charged two teenagers after an assault on the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail that is believed to be hate-motivated.

On Tuesday shortly after 7 p.m., officers responded to the Hamilton-Brantford Rail Trail behind University Plaza after receiving reports that two teenagers were threatening members of a running group.

Investigators say during the incident, a coach with the running group attempted to intervene.

Police say the two teenagers turned their attention toward him, allegedly threatening him and repeatedly making comments about his race and perceived ethnicity.

Detectives say the teenage boy then allegedly grabbed the victim and punched him several times in the head. The victim sustained minor injuries.

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When officers arrived, the two teenagers fled on foot. Officers located them a short distance away on the rail trail and arrested them.

As a result of the investigation, a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, both of Hamilton, have each been charged with uttering threats to cause bodily harm or death and assault.

Investigators say both teenagers were released on undertakings into the care of their respective parents.

The incident has been referred to the Hamilton Police Hate Crime Unit for review.

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to contact police at 905-546-3886.

For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

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