Hamilton Police Launch Investigation into First Shooting Incident of 2026
Hamilton Police are actively investigating what has been confirmed as the city's first shooting incident of 2026. The violent episode occurred on Friday night, sending one man to hospital with serious injuries and prompting an intensive search for the suspect.
Details of the Shooting Incident
According to official reports from Hamilton Police Service, officers responded to a business in the East 28th Street and Fennell Avenue area at precisely 7:13 p.m. on Friday evening following multiple reports of a shooting. The victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to hospital with what authorities describe as serious injuries.
Investigators believe the suspect fled the scene on foot, heading northbound on East 27th Street from Fennell Avenue. Police have not yet released a suspect description to the public, but the investigation remains ongoing and active.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
Hamilton Police detectives are making a specific appeal to residents, business owners, and anyone who may have been traveling through the Eastmount neighbourhood between 7 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. on January 31st. Authorities are particularly interested in surveillance footage or dash-camera recordings from the area bounded by East 27th Street to Upper Sherman Avenue, and Fennell Avenue to Queensdale Avenue.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Hamilton Police directly at 905-546-4883 or via email at shootingresponseteam@hamiltonpolice.ca. Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Hamilton at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through their official website.
Separate Case: Mississauga Vehicle Break-in Charges
In a separate but significant development, Peel Regional Police have announced charges against a 20-year-old individual in connection with an extensive series of vehicle break-ins throughout Mississauga.
Break-in Investigation Details
Police received numerous reports throughout December of vehicle break-ins occurring in specific Mississauga neighbourhoods, including areas around Kimbermount Avenue, Aquitaine Avenue, and Regents Terrace. The investigation involved coordinated efforts between 11 Division's Criminal Investigation Bureau, the BEAR unit, and uniform patrol officers.
On January 26th, authorities arrested Basil Ass'ad, a 20-year-old individual without a fixed address. He now faces multiple charges including:
- 48 counts of mischief over $5,000
- Two counts of theft over $5,000
- Five counts of theft under $5,000
- Possession of stolen property
- Fraud under $5,000
Peel Regional Police continue to seek additional information related to these vehicle break-ins. Anyone with relevant details is asked to contact investigators at 905-453-2121, extension 1133, or reach out to Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Community Impact and Police Response
These two separate incidents highlight ongoing law enforcement challenges in different Ontario communities. The Hamilton shooting represents the first firearm-related violence of the new year in that city, while the Mississauga vehicle break-ins demonstrate patterns of property crime that police continue to address through targeted investigations.
Both police services emphasize the importance of community cooperation in solving and preventing crimes. Public vigilance, timely reporting of suspicious activities, and willingness to share relevant information remain crucial elements in maintaining community safety across the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions.
