Downtown shooting results in charges for one, second suspect still at large

A man has been charged after a brazen daylight shooting in Hamilton resulted in a bystander being grazed by a bullet. A second suspect remains at large.

Multiple gunshots erupted in the busy street near King Street East and East Avenue North shortly before noon on May 6.

An innocent bystander, a man in his 50s, was grazed by a stray bullet. He required hospital treatment. However, his injuries were not life-threatening and he was soon released.

A grey four-door BMW sedan was seen leaving the area, last seen heading down King William Street from Victoria Avenue North. Police confirmed they recovered the BMW on May 8. They also confirmed their belief one armed man fired at another. They do not believe the target returned fire.

Police later released video of the shooting. It shows a hooded man emerge from the BMW, amid pedestrians, and open fire toward the back of his car.

He then took cover behind the car, seemingly expecting return fire. A woman walking toward the car then opens the driver door for him. She then runs to the other side and gets in the front passenger seat.

Investigators arrested a suspect on May 13; Patrick Swayze, 34 of Hamilton. He’s been charged with;

• assault with a weapon
• three counts of failure to comply with probation
• eight counts of failure to comply with release orders
• two counts of driving while prohibited
• pointing a firearm
• using an imitation firearm to commit an offence, and
• three counts of possession contrary to order

A second suspect, Jonas Campanaro, 21 of Hamilton remains at large. He’s wanted for;

• careless use of a firearm
• discharging a firearm with intent
• three firearm possession charges
• reckless discharge of a firearm, and
• criminal negligence causing bodily harm

“During the arrest, officers recovered a firearm, which has been confirmed to be the same one used in this incident and displayed in the video footage released to the public,” police said.

“Hamilton Police are fully committed to solving these shootings and ensuring the safety of our community,” said Investigative Services Superintendent Martin Schulenberg, “We have dedicated an all-hands-on-deck approach to apprehending those responsible and bringing them to justice. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in this effort.”

Anyone with information can call police at 905-546-4883 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Anyone who spots Campanaro is advised to call 911.