Hamilton police: Recent random violent attacks 'unsettling', but incidents haven't increased
· Toronto Sun
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Two recent and violent public attacks are concerning and can illicit fears for personal safety, but Hamilton Police reassures that reported incidents are not out of line with numbers dating back several years.
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“These types of attacks are unsettling and concerning,” Hamilton Police corporate communications and public affairs manager Jackie Penman told the Toronto Sun. “We recognize the fear these kinds of incidents can create in the community. Everyone deserves to feel safe going about their day.”
According to figures provided by Hamilton Police and obtained by the Sun, the city has recorded 15 unprovoked stabbing incidents so far this year.
Last year, there were 17 reported random attacks. The highest number recorded was 18 in 2024. The fewest recorded was 12 in 2021. On average, the city is seeing slightly more than 14 of these incidents every year, dating back to 2021.
“Based on this measure, there is no indication that stranger/unknown-party stabbings are increasing in 2026,” Penman said. “The current number is consistent with what we have seen historically and is not elevated relative to recent years.”
The numbers are just the numbers, and while they may be quite impersonal and cold, Penman says that is not the case for officers in charge of bringing those suspects to jail in handcuffs.
“As police, we take these acts of violence seriously and are committed to investigating thoroughly, supporting victims and holding those responsible accountable,” Penman said.
Random events
On Monday night, CHCH reported that Hamilton police arrested a 23-year-old woman of no fixed address after she allegedly stabbed a 71-year-old man at Juravinski Hospital in the city’s southeast quarter.
“We can confirm there was an incident in the Juravinski Hospital emergency department on Sept. 28,” Hamilton Health Services communications advisor Wendy Stewart told the Sun.
“As this is a police matter and to protect patient privacy, we cannot share further details. We are reviewing the incident carefully through our established processes and are following up directly with those affected.”
Police eventually located the woman and charged her with two counts of assault with a weapon. The police have not said what the weapon used was or the reason for the attack. The name of the accused was not released.
The police believe the attack to be a random event.
Last Thursday, another unprovoked attack occurred when a woman was stabbed near Centennial Pkwy. and Queenston Rd. in Stoney Creek.
Hamilton police said the 45-year-old was sitting on a bench and reading a book at the Eastgate Square bus terminal when she was allegedly attacked from behind. Police allege the accused stabbed the woman before running from the scene. The incident is believed to have been, yet again, an unprovoked, random attack.
The suspect is described as wearing a black T-shirt and dark pants and may have been carrying a backpack. The suspect is still at large.
Hamilton Police is looking to speak with a potential witness from this incident.
“Detectives have learned that a female bystander was waiting at the bus terminal during the time of the assault. Police would like to speak to this individual as she may hold valuable information for this case,” the police said in a news release.