Double-ended 3-foot bladed weapon found near Hamilton encampment

A homemade, three-and-a-half foot long bladed weapon was discovered near a Hamilton encampment.

A concerned citizen reported finding the spear-like weapon near King Street and Main Street, a densely populated urban area just west of Coote’s Paradise dubbed “The Delta.” Images of the weapon had previously been shared around social media.

When Hamilton Police reached the area they found the weapon up a tree hanging from a high branch. On closer inspection, the officers noted the 3.5-foot weapon was made of a length of plastic with a butcher’s knife strapped to one end and a lawnmower blade fastened to the other.

“Due to its appearance and placement, the weapon posed a significant concern for public safety,” police said, “Hamilton Police have safely removed the weapon and extend their gratitude to the community for working in partnership to help keep our city safe. If you see something, say something.”

Back in September, investigators discovered a bicycle “chop shop” operating in the area’s encampment as well. Numerous area residents reported stolen bikes in the weeks leading to the raid. As a result, officers went to a nearby encampment and found several bikes.

They determined that the bikes did not belong to anyone living in the camp. However, the bikes had recently been heavily modified and re-painted making it difficult to determine the original owners.