‘Very scary’: Hamilton residents concerned for safety after woman randomly stabbed

Hamilton residents are concerned for their safety while police continue to search for a man who stabbed a woman while waiting for a bus at Eastgate Square.

On Thursday shortly after 8 a.m., the stabbing took place in Stoney Creek near Centennial Parkway and Queenston Road. 

Officers say they believe this was an unprovoked and random attack, with the interaction being brief and the suspect taking off.

Investigators say the stabbing happened at a busy time of day, with many at the bus terminal at Eastgate Square as people constantly got on and off buses.

During Thursday’s morning rush, a 45-year-old woman was attacked and stabbed from behind while seated on a bench inside the bus shelter. She was reading a book at the time.  

Police say the victim suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment but is expected to survive.

“It’s very scary for me because I’m exactly not as fit as I used to be,” a local senior says.

READ MORE: Hamilton police seek man after random stabbing in Stoney Creek

“Honestly, you never know what’s going on in Hamilton now a days. There are a lot of people who are just creating a lot of violence,” a Hamiltonian says.

“I think it could be something to do with what’s going on downtown. I think everyone is slowly moving out this way because there is no room for everybody down there and that’s the sad part about it,” another resident adds.

Paolo Testaguzza, the president of the local union that represents Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) employees is troubled by the attack. 

“It’s concerning because we always want everybody to feel safe waiting for the bus and the general public. The last thing we would ever want to happen is something like this, which makes it concerning,” Testaguzza says.

“We’re always open to working with the City of Hamilton and any aspect to implement anything that will help the general public feel safer.”

Police say at this time there is no full description of the male suspect. However, it’s believed he was wearing a black T-shirt and dark coloured pants with a backpack. 

Officers are appealing for witnesses and are asking anyone who was in the area of the incident on Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. to contact them.

READ MORE: Hamilton police arrest wanted Belleville man in human trafficking probe