Hamilton Police and Paramedics responded to Winona Park late Saturday evening.
In a statement posted to X, Hamilton Police stated that a person possessing a firearm was arrested at the Winona Peach Festival.
“Hamilton Police have arrested an individual in possession of a firearm at the Winona Peach Festival #HamOnt. The incident was resolved without incident and thankfully no one was injured.”
Hamilton Paramedics stated that one person was treated after pepper spray was discharged at the park. They did not need to be transported to a hospital.
Videos posted online show a Hamilton Police Sergeant using pepper spray on a crowd of bystanders.
On Sunday, Hamilton Police announced that a 23-year-old male was arrested carrying a firearm with a high-capacity magazine and ammunition.
Police state there was a separate incident late Saturday evening near the Festival involving a “group of four males” who attacked, with a baseball bat, a 53-year-old man. The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
2:00 p.m. (Sunday, August 25)
Hamilton police issued a statement at 11:23 a.m., stating a 23-year-old male was arrested with a firearm, and a high-capacity magazine and ammunition.
There was a separate incident “in a parking lot close to the Winona Peach Festival” at 10:30 p.m. “where a group of four males were attacking another male with a baseball bat.” “The 53-year-old victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries,” police state.
Hamilton Police will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. at Central Station.
This story has been updated with this information and now links to online videos.
2:00 a.m.
More videos have appeared online. In some of the videos, a Hamilton Police Sergeant is seen using pepper spray on a crowd of teenagers.
The video clips are short, and show many teenagers using smartphones with livestreaming apps open.
11:30 p.m. (Saturday) No Further Comment from Hamilton Police
At this time, Hamilton Police are not providing further information regarding the incident.
Hamilton Police media relations has taken carriage of updates.
Hamilton Police have not stated what time they responded, nor which section of the police force is investigating.
11:15 p.m. Online Videos
An online video, circulating on social media platforms, shows Hamilton Police arresting one person in the midway area of the park.
10:50 p.m. Hamilton Police Statement
On X, Hamilton Police state they have arrested one person in possession of a firearm.
10:40 p.m. Initial Information
TPR has spoken with both Hamilton Police and Hamilton Paramedic supervisors and can confirm the following:
Hamilton Paramedics:
Hamilton Paramedic Superintendent David Thompson states paramedics responded and treated one person after the discharge of pepper spray. They were treated on scene and nobody was transported to hospital.
Hamilton Police:
A Hamilton Police supervisor deferred comment to the HPS Media Relations branch, saying a statement would be issued on X.
From other sources at the scene:
At least one person is under arrest. The festival is ending earlier than scheduled.
Production Details v. 1.2.0 Published: August 24, 2024 Last updated: August 24, 2024 Author: Joey Coleman Update Record v. 1.0.0 original version v. 1.1.0 updated with Police X statement v. 1.1.1 added note regarding online videos v. 1.1.2 no further info expected on Aug 24 v. 1.2.0 added information based on videos posted online showing Hamilton Police using pepper spray
My 13 year old daughter got caught in the line of the pepper spray from the police officer. She was terrified and in a lot of pain!! Even after getting home and washing up she’s still experiencing discomfort!
Thanks to our police officers for a job well done!
I’m sorry your daughter was caught in the spray of the pepper spray if she was an innocent bystander ( I make no assumptions), however if she was part of the teen mob, I have zero sympathy. The fact that anyone would stand up for the offending individual is beyond comprehension. Since when do we condone taking a gun to a crowded area. Imagine how you would feel if your daughter caught a stray bullet from this individual.
A person under the age of 18 in a very crowded place with a firearm?? Sorry but this kid needs some serious intervention and hopefully they get it. Being an upstanding citizen and a positive member of the community begins at home. Under 18? Where are this kids parents?? They should be held accountable as well. In my opinion, that kid was lucky they didn’t get shot by police. And if he did?? I bet the parents would have been pretty vocal then, right?? I’m pretty sure that police officer probably didn’t want to have to pepperspray a kid with a gun that day, either. I believe the officer responded appropriately in this situation. Parents, do your job. Don’t leave it to the police. We’ll all be better for it. Stay safe.
A great job from our police officers who responded very quickly. Could of been a lot worse. Thanks
John Breukelman.
I hope this individual with the gun gets some serious prison time.. No room for bail regardless of his /her age.