A 36-year-old man has been arrested in connection with “several violent incidents” in Hamilton.

Hamilton police say a man armed with a black baton assaulted three people in less than 20 minutes in the downtown core on Saturday.

The first incident happened at the Hasty Market on John St. at 7:55 p.m. Police say a man came into the store armed with a baton and demanded money from a staff member. He then proceeded to assault the employee and cause damage throughout the store before fleeing the area on foot.

Less than 10 minutes later, the man went to City Mart on King St. East and began assaulting the lone store employee with what appeared to be the same baton. The victim managed to flee and the suspect left on foot.

Police say the man was then walking down King St. around 8:12 p.m. and struck a bystander with the baton.

Investigators say one of the victims was transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Joshua Szarak, of Hamilton, has been arrested and charged with two counts of robbery with intent to steal and assault with a weapon.

The investigation has been taken over by the break and enter, auto theft and robbery branch.

Anyone with additional information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Hamilton police.