Suspect arrested after gunpoint robbery and home invasion near Kenora Avenue

A suspect has been arrested after a gunpoint robbery and home invasion where a gun was fired early Sunday.

Hamilton police were called just before 3 a.m. Jan. 30 for a report of a robbery with a handgun in the area of 245 Kenora Ave., a housing complex south of Barton Street East, police said. While on their way to the call police were also told a home invasion had occurred in the area where a shot was fired.

No one was hurt in either incident, police said.

Officers flooded the area and a suspect was spotted, but he ran and a police chase ensued. He was found nearby a short time later, police said.

The handgun used has not been found, police are asking anyone in the area who may find the gun not to touch it but to immediately call 911.

He ran through yards bound by the area of Barton Street East, Centennial Parkway North, Kenora Avenue and Delawana Drive.

This is believed to mark the first shooting in Hamilton this year. Last year police responded to 36 shootings in Hamilton. There were 21 victims shot, including eight deaths.

Hamilton police say there are more guns on city streets. Police seized 204 guns last year, a 13 per cent increase over 2020.

Anyone with information on this latest shooting is asked to call the on duty staff sergeant at 905-546-2963.

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

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com