Teen accused of pointing BB gun at Hamilton police officer outside Hillfield Strathallan College
A 15-year-old boy is facing multiple charges after allegedly pointing a BB gun, which appeared to be a real handgun, at Hamilton police while fleeing from a stolen vehicle.
Three other teens ranging in age from 15 to 17 were also arrested in the incident that ended with a foot chase on the grounds of Hillfield Strathallan College on Fennell Avenue West at Garth Street on Thursday afternoon.
The incident began around 3:10 p.m. on Nov. 4 when the owner of a 2018 GMC Terrain spotted his SUV at Gage Avenue North and King Street East with the teens inside, said police spokesperson Jackie Penman. The owner followed the vehicle as police responded.
Police caught up with the stolen GMC as it was being driven up the Claremont Access, but did not engage in a pursuit while officers waited for more resources to arrive.
Police tried to block the vehicle on Fennell, but the driver hit a police cruiser and mounted the curb in front of the school, she said.
That's when the driver allegedly pointed what looked like a handgun at a police officer and ran. Penmen said the gun looked real.
There was a foot chase and the four teens were arrested on the school grounds.
Police said the school was placed on hold and secure" from 3:25 p.m. to 3:43 p.m.
The gun was tossed while the teens ran, Penman said. However, after a search of the scene, police dog Radar found it hidden under a vehicle.
It was later determined to be a 4.5-mm BB gun.
A 15-year-old boy is charged with pointing a firearm, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of property over $5,000, possession of a weapon and assault police with a weapon.
Another 15-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and a 17-year-old boy are all charged with being occupants of a motor vehicle without consent.
They cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for The Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com