Hamilton Man Arrested In Locke St. Vandalism Was Also Convicted in Toronto G20 Riot

Hamilton police have made an arrest in connection to the Locke street vandalism spree. 31 year old Peter Hopperton, the leader of a local anarchist group, has been charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

“We believe that mister Hopperton is the operator of the Tower. What’s known as a a collective and also as an anarchist space. ” Dan Kinsella, Hamilton police.

The anarchist group spoke out on social media after a group of 30 masked people wreaked havoc on the Locke street neighbourhood last month. At the time, The Tower wrote that they had nothing to do with the vandalism, but condoned it, because they say they oppose gentrification. Hamilton police wont say if Hopperton participated in the vandalism, only that he was somehow involved.

Police also conducted a search of a home in the area of Cannon near Hess street Friday in relation to the arrest.

“We have also gathered electronic evidence that has helped support, that has lead us to this.”

So far this is the only arrest police have made in connection to the incident. Its been proven difficult for authorities.

“One of the largest challenges is the way these individuals were dress when they were involved in this activity. The masking of their faces, the covering of their identity”

Hopperton has faced several offences in Toronto and Hamilton over the years. He was also charged in connection with the G20 riots in Toronto in June of 2010. Back then he was released on $75 000 bail and he eventually plead guilty to counselling indictable offences and sentenced to three months in jail.