A weekend of violence in Hamilton

Police responded to two shootings, an assault and potentially catastrophic’ encounter Saturday night

- NICOLE O'REILLY

Five people were hurt in two shootings, a man was viciously attacked with a baseball bat, and Hamilton police tackled a man with a loaded gun — preventing a potentially catastrophic shooting at the Winona Peach Festival — in a night of violence in the city.

None of the incidents, which happened over less than nine hours Saturday night into early Sunday morning, are believed to be related. But police say the level of violence is concerning.

“They stopped what could have been a tragedy,” Insp. Jim Callender said of the quick actions of officers at the festival Saturday night.

He questioned why anybody would ever bring a gun to such a community, calling the situation “disturbing.”

There was already an increased number of paid duty and patrol officers working at the weekend festival — a decision made in advance because of several swarming and robbery incidents involving youths at festivals last year.