Hamilton police charge four people in attack on man with autism

Five weeks after a man with autism was attacked on the east Mountain, Hamilton Police have arrested four people, including an 18-year old charged with assault with a weapon.

Police say the assault was a random daytime attack" just before noon at a shopping plaza near Upper Gage Avenue and the Lincoln Alexander Parkway.

When police reported the incident last month, they said a man had been walking alone when he was attacked from behind by three men, and that he was sprayed with an aerosol substance used to irritate bears.

Witnesses told police that the three men ran to a nearby car, where a fourth man waited with the engine idling. The car, a ten-year old black Ford Fusion, was later found by police.

The victim was treated for minor injuries.

In a news release, police said they have charged an 18 year-old with assault with a weapon, a 22 year-old with assault and violating a probation order, and two youths with assault.

All four are from Hamilton.

Hamilton Police wish to thank the public for their assistance in helping to identify the persons responsible," said the news release, which added that anyone who believes they have information that could assist police should call Det. Tim Knapp at 905-546-2389 or Det. Sgt. Marco Delconte at 905-546-3851.

To remain anonymous, submit tips via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

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