Video shows man used as 'human shield' during daytime shootout in Hamilton

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying two men who were captured on video firing shots at each other across a street in Hamilton last month.

The incident occurred in the area of Sanford Avenue North and King Street East on Aug. 10 at 7 p.m.

In the six-second dashcam footage, a man in a black hoodie is seen walking away from two people on the sidewalk and then pulling out a gun and firing at them.

One of the people on the sidewalk brandishes a gun and returns fire, shooting towards the man on the road several times. The man in a black hoodie runs away as he continues to exchange gunfire with the man on the sidewalk.

A third peson is seen in the video caught in the crossfire and was "used as a human shield," police said. He was not physically injured and investigators are now looking to speak with him as a witness.

A still from a dashcam footage shows two men exchanging fires during a shootout in Hamilton on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. (Hamilton Police Service)

“This individual’s account could be critical in bringing clarity to the events that transpired, and we urge him to come forward,” police said on Tuesday.

It is unknown what led to the shootout.

The first shooter is described as a Black male in his late teens or early 20s and was seen wearing black pants and a black or dark blue Puma hooded sweatshirt with the hood up.

The other shooter is believed to be a male with a dark or tan complexion and was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with the hood down, dark pants or blue jeans.

Meanwhile, the witness is described as a Black male in his late teens or early 20s with a grey hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

“In the interest of community safety, we are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has relevant information to share it without delay. Your cooperation is essential in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” police said.

Anyone with information about this incident or the individuals involved is urged to contact the Shooting Response Team at 905-546-4883 or via email at [e-mail]. Anonymous information can also be reported through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com.

Suspect sought after shots fired near Lime Ridge mall

Police have also released a video of shots being fired near CF Lime Ridge on Sunday.

In the clip, someone is seen walking behind another individual, and then gunshots are heard, followed by screaming.

It happened in the area of Upper Wentworth Street and Kingfisher Drive around 6 p.m.

Police said there was a dispute between several individuals, which escalated when one person drew a handgun and fired it.

“Thankfully, despite several rounds being fired at multiple people, no one was hit or injured,” police said.

Police are searching for the person in the photo who they say fired shots near a mall in Hamilton on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. (Hamilton Police Service)

The shooter was last seen fleeing on foot. He wore a blue tracksuit with a white circular pattern and a black ski mask.

Police are asking anyone in the area at the time to review any dashcam or surveillance video they may have and contact police at 905-546-3886 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

“Your cooperation is crucial as we work to fully understand the events surrounding this incident,” police said.