Man charged in Hamilton Salvation Army fire, Jackson Square shooting threat

Hamilton police have charged a 27-year-old man accused of starting a fire within a downtown men’s shelter and threatening to shoot people in Jackson Square on Sunday.

Investigators say the man was seen around 4:15 p.m. loitering in the lobby of Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre on York Boulevard. Officers say he intentionally ignited a fire, causing $150,000 in damages to a dorm room on the second floor.

Shortly after, security guards at Jackson Square confronted the same man regarding an ongoing trespass order. He allegedly refused to comply, brandished multiple large knives and an imitation firearm, and then threatened to shoot people around him.

Hamilton police say they quickly arrested the man. He is now facing several charges, including four counts of assault with a weapon, four counts of using an imitation firearm during commission of offence, and one count of arson – disregard for human life.

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No one was injured during either incident.

A spokesperson for the Salvation Army Hamilton Booth Centre says none of their clients were displaced by the fire.

“The building has been cleared for re-entry. All clients residing in the space affected by the fire have been safely accommodated in other areas within the building,” reads an emailed statement from the men’s shelter.

Meal services and kitchen facilities were not impacted by the fire, the spokesperson added.

Anyone with further information that may help police with this investigation is asked to contact the on-duty Division 1 staff sergeant at 905-546-4725.

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