Man charged with assault at anti-violence march in Hamilton
Published September 22, 2023 at 3:53 pm
A 29-year-old man is facing charges in connection with an alleged assault at the Take Back the Night march in Hamilton.
Hamilton police say around 8:25 p.m. on Sept. 21, officers were approached by multiple women who said that a man assaulted one of the participants. Police allege the suspect attempted to grab the victim’s sign before assaulting them.
A video of an assault that matches the description of the one police referred to today can be seen here. In the video, posted online by participant Jelena Vermilion, a man can be seen attempting to wrestle a sign away from a marcher before the two struggle over the banner and the protestor is dragged on the ground.
Police say the suspect was arrested and charged with assault (level 1).
The incident is also being reviewed by the police service’s Hate Crime Unit.
The march aims to end sexual, relationship, and domestic violence in all forms. SACHA (Sexual Assault Centre Hamilton and Area) organizes the march annually for woman-identified participants in Hamilton.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Division One Staff Sergeant at 905-546-4725.