Hamilton police looking for man who chased after teens with a knife

Hamilton police are looking for a suspect who allegedly chased after a group of teens while carrying a knife Tuesday afternoon.

No one was hurt in the incident.

Police were called to Locke Street South and Melbourne Street around 1 p.m. Aug. 18, where they spoke with the teens who had been chased.

The group told police they were walking north on Locke when they noticed a man walking toward them, police said. He appeared to be focused on one of the girls in the group.

Another girl confronted the man and that's when he allegedly ran toward them carrying what appeared to be a knife.

The teens ran in separate directions and the suspect allegedly briefly chased after the girl who had yelled out to him, police said. He was unable to catch her and was last seen running west on Melbourne Street.

Hamilton police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating a suspicious male who chased a group of teens while in possession of a knife.

Police searched the area and did not find the suspect.

On Friday police released an image and description of the man, in an appeal for help finding the suspect. If spotted police advise the public not to approach, but call 911 immediately.

The suspect is described as a black man, 20 to 30 years old, with a medium build and short black hair. He was wearing bright neon yellow slush pants, a grey T-shirt with a bright red/orange #95 on the back, black shoes with white soles and a blue surgical mask.

The knife is described as black and six to eight inches.

The incident is under investigation by the central criminal investigation branch. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Sami Haddad at 905-546-3816 or Staff 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