Hamilton police seek suspect after overnight stabbing near rail trail

Hamilton police are searching for a suspect after an overnight stabbing near a rail trail that left a man in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

On Thursday at around 1 a.m., officers responded to reports of a stabbing in the area of Broadway and Ward avenues, just south of McMaster University.

Police located a 29-year-old man suffering from multiple stab wounds.

“Upon arrival, officers located one male suffering from a wound consistent with an edged weapon — in this case a knife,” said Hamilton Police Const. Trevor McKenna.

Officers say the victim was transported to a local hospital in life-threatening condition but his condition has since improved and been upgraded to stable.

Investigators say the suspect approached the victim on the sidewalk and began directing racial slurs toward him. The accused then allegedly pulled out a knife and assaulted the victim before fleeing the area on a bicycle.

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Officers conducted an extensive search of the surrounding area, including the nearby rail trail and golf course but failed to locate the suspect.

Police describe the accused as a black man who was last seen wearing a white shirt and hat. He was last spotted riding a bicycle eastbound toward the rail trail.

“The suspect was last seen going eastbound towards the rail trail,” said McKenna. “Our officers conducted a large search in conjunction with the canine unit, however he was not located.”

Authorities are asking anyone with information, surveillance footage or dash camera video from the area around the time of the incident to contact them at 905-546-4725.

To provide information anonymously, Crime Stoppers can be contacted at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online.

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