Hamilton Senior Critically Injured in Unprovoked Assault
Hamilton Police have formally charged a 48-year-old man with aggravated assault following a disturbing incident that left a senior citizen with life-threatening injuries. The assault, which occurred on January 15, 2026, was described by authorities as completely unprovoked.
Details of the Assault
According to police reports, officers responded to a call at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the area of King Street West. Security personnel had discovered an unconscious 67-year-old male suffering from severe head trauma. Emergency medical services quickly transported the victim to a local hospital, where he was intubated and remains in critical condition.
Investigators allege that the victim was unexpectedly struck with a closed fist by the suspect, causing him to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. The accused, who was known to police, was apprehended in the immediate vicinity without incident. In addition to the aggravated assault charge, he faces eight counts of failing to comply with probation.
The Hamilton Police Service is continuing its investigation and urges anyone with information to contact them at 905-546-4725 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Multiple Arrests in Durham Region
In separate law enforcement actions across Durham Region, police made several arrests related to stolen vehicles, armed robberies, and firearm offenses.
Whitby Stolen Vehicle Incident
Durham Regional Police apprehended three male youths after locating a stolen Honda SUV in the Whitby area on Saturday morning. When officers attempted to block the vehicle, it fled the scene, striking a police cruiser before colliding with a tree. The suspects fled on foot but were captured with assistance from multiple police units, including the tactical support team and a remotely piloted aircraft system.
The charges include:
- A 16-year-old from Whitby facing 12 charges, including robbery and armed robbery
- A 14-year-old and another 16-year-old, both from Whitby, charged with possession of property obtained by crime
One suspect is allegedly connected to a jewelry store robbery at the Shops at Pickering City Centre and an attempted robbery at Oshawa Centre.
Oshawa Armed Robbery
A 31-year-old Oshawa man, Thomas Stavrou, has been charged with eight offenses following an armed robbery at True North Cannabis Co. on Cedar Street. Police reported that the suspect entered the business, pointed a knife at two employees, stole a cash register, and fled. He was later tracked to a nearby residence and arrested by the tactical support unit after brief negotiations. No physical injuries were reported among employees.
Bowmanville Firearm Charges
In a separate investigation, Durham Regional Police charged a 28-year-old Bowmanville man, Nicholas Alexander Riley, with 12 offenses after executing a search warrant at a residence on Green Road. Authorities seized a handgun, three prohibited overcapacity magazines, ammunition, and drugs, including cocaine and perocet. Riley was already bound by probation and release orders at the time of his arrest.
These incidents highlight ongoing police efforts to address violent crime and property offenses in the Greater Toronto Area. Investigations remain active, with authorities encouraging public cooperation through tip lines and Crime Stoppers programs.
