Teen charged after stolen SUV driven through Hamilton park while occupants discharge bear spray, brandish knife

A 15-year-old boy is facing charges after police say he drove a stolen vehicle through a Hamilton Mountain park in broad daylight while a passenger discharged bear spray out of the window and another brandished a large knife, all while people run for cover.

Nick Matusiak was at Burkholder Park on July 25 and captured video of the incident.

“Out of the corner of my eye I saw a white SUV pull up and do circles around here and kids were running around. Looked like they were being chased by someone driving a white SUV,” Matusiak said.

Hamilton police have confirmed that the video is related to two incidents that happened on July 25. Police say at 9 a.m. that morning, several teenagers in a vehicle showed up at a residence on Hamilton Mountain, and two people were bear-sprayed there. Later that afternoon, police were called to Burkholder Park, where the second incident took place.

“Video from inside the vehicle actually displayed them discharging bear spray towards patrons within the park,” police said.

Burkholder Park is near Upper Wentworth Street and Mohawk Road, right in the middle of a residential neighbourhood with Timothy Christian School right next door.

READ MORE: Hamilton police charge youth accused of bear spraying a child

“It’s completely reckless and irresponsible,” police said.

Officers say the youths were driving towards their intended targets who were at the park, adding that the vehicle was stolen.

“The driver of the vehicle has been identified as a 15-year-old male from Hamilton and he has since been arrested and charged with multiple offences, most notably discharge of a noxious substance and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.”

Police are still looking for the other people involved.

Youth-related crimes have been on the rise in Hamilton, specifically young people using bear spray.

“I feel concerned for the kids and stuff that play at the park day in and day out,” Matusiak said.

Had he been walking his usual path that day, Matusiak says things could have turned out very differently.

“I would have been hit for sure…well, the dog would have been.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hamilton police at 905-546-4925.

Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

WATCH MORE: Hamilton police launch ‘Project Breathe Easy’ after spike in youth bear spray attacks