Blind man robbed at knifepoint on Hamilton’s Melvin Avenue

Hamilton police say a legally blind and hard of hearing man was robbed at knifepoint for his gold necklace in one of two east end street robberies on Sunday, May 31.

The first robbery happened just after 5:30 p.m. on Melvin Avenue. Police say the 57-year-old victim was entering the main floor lobby of an apartment building when he was pushed from behind by a man with a knife.

Police say the suspect took the man's gold necklace. The suspect was last seen in the area of Sumach Street and Melvin Avenue. Witnesses said the suspect had a small knife.

No one was injured.

Police are looking for a white man, between 30- and 40-years-old, who is five-foot-ten, with a small build, a goatee and a moustache. He was wearing a black hooded sweater and light-coloured pants. He was possibly covering his face with a mask or a bandana.

Police are asking the public to check their cameras and contact them if they have any information that could help with the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Sam Khalil at 905-546-2933 or Det. Sgt. Ben Thibodeau at 905-546-2907.

It was the second robbery police were called to in the east end Sunday night. A few hours later on Hilda Street (in the Main and Gage area) police were called for reports of a street robbery at 10:30 p.m.

Police say a 27-year-old man was walking on the street when he was approached by a man demanding cash. The victim was punched and knocked to the ground.

In this case, the suspect fled the area but was picked up by an officer responding to the call.

A 31-year-man was arrested and is facing a robbery charge.

Police have not linked the two robberies.

To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online.

Reach The Spectator newsroom at 905-526-3420 or news@thespec.com