Hamilton man charged in string of random assaults with a metal pipe

A 36-year-old Hamilton man is facing robbery and assault charges after a string of attacks on Saturday.

The first incident happened at 7:55 p.m., Nov. 20, when a man approached a staff member inside the Hasty Market at 225 John St. S., said Hamilton police.

Investigators say the suspect demanded cash and then assaulted the victim with a black baton or pipe. He then starting knocking over shelves before fleeing on foot, police said.

Just minutes later, at 8:03 p.m., a similar incident occurred inside the City Mart at 23 King St. E.

In that case, police say the suspect assaulted an employee with the same metal baton or pipe, but the victim managed to flee. Police allege the suspect chased after the victim, before again fleeing on foot.

At 8:12 p.m. the same suspect allegedly assaulted a person walking on King with the same baton.

The second victim, from City Mart, was seriously hurt and was transported to hospital for treatment.

The 36-year-old Hamilton man was arrested Monday.

He's charged with two counts of robbery with intent to steal and one count of assault with a weapon.

The break, enter, auto theft and robbery (BEAR) unit is investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Sarah Ricker at 905-546-8938 or Staff Sgt. Andrea Torrie 905-546-2991.

To remain anonymously 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