Hamilton Police have laid charges against a man and a woman following a robbery at a BMO branch in the city's East Mountain area, leading to the seizure of firearms and drugs.
Bank Robbery Investigation
On May 6, around 1:45 p.m., a masked male allegedly entered the bank near Fennell and Upper Ottawa Streets, threatened staff while claiming to have a firearm, and then fled. Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence on Tuesday, seizing two loaded prohibited firearms, extended magazines, approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine, and cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
Joseph Martineau, 58, and Lisa Kerchener, 51, both of Hamilton, face multiple charges, including two counts each of unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, and knowledge of unauthorized possession; three counts each of possession of a prohibited weapon and proceeds of crime over $5,000; and one count each of possession of methamphetamine for trafficking.
Police urge anyone with information to call 905-546-8934 or 905-546-2991. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online.
Drug Bust Near City Hall
In a separate incident, a 44-year-old Hamilton man was charged with drug and weapon offences after officers observed suspected drug trafficking near City Hall. Members of the Division 10 HEAT Unit were on proactive patrol in the McNab Street South and Jackson Street area when they saw a male allegedly selling drugs from a parked vehicle.
Officers arrested the suspect and found Dilaudid in his possession. A vehicle search yielded a 12-gauge shotgun with a modified stock, shotgun ammunition, a 9mm Glock magazine, a digital scale with drug residue, a spring-loaded baton, and throwing knives.
The accused faces charges including careless use of a firearm, possession of a firearm, failure to comply with probation, possession for trafficking of an opioid, and possession of a prohibited weapon. Anyone with information can contact police at 905-546-4725 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
