Teen shot in Hamilton laneway

A 17-year-old boy was sent to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and three people are facing charges after a shooting Thursday night.

Hamilton police were called shortly before 9 p.m. July 9 to Barton Street East and Birch Avenue for reports of a shooting. On scene, officers found three teenage boys walking at Stirton Street and Cannon Street East.

One of the boys - the 17-year-old - had been shot in his lower body and was transported to hospital, said Const. Jerome Stewart.

Investigators believe there was a disturbance involving a group of teens in a laneway near Barton and Birch and one of the teens fired a gun.

It's not clear who fired the gun or how many young people were involved as no one - including the victim - is co-operating with the investigation, he said.

Three male suspects, believed to have been involved in the disturbance, were arrested.

A 22-year-old Hamilton man is charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of weapons dangerous.

It's not clear what type of weapon police allege he had. Stewart said it was not a gun.

The gun used in the shooting has not been seized and police do not know who fired the gun.

A 16-year-old Hamilton boy is charged with failing to comply with a release order.

Another 16-year-old Hamilton boy was arrested on a warrant for unrelated robbery charges.

Detectives from the central criminal investigation branch continue to investigate and ask area residents to check their security cameras for suspicious activity.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Sgt. Dave Oleniuk at 905-546-3833.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com