Two shootings in Hamilton lead to manhunt for pair of suspects

Two separate shootings in Hamilton have led to a manhunt for a pair of suspects.

In the first incident, a gunshot rang out in an alleyway near Market Street and Hess Street around 5 a.m. on June 23. The area sits in Hamilton’s downtown core and is home to several apartment buildings and houses.

The victim told police he and the suspect got into a verbal argument in the alley. This escalated until the suspect fired a shot at the victim, Hamilton Police allege. The shot missed and the victim escaped unharmed. The resulting investigation concluded a single shot was fired in the alley in a targeted attack.

On Oct. 9, police issued an arrest warrant for Kevin Johnson, 44 of Hamilton. He’s charged with several offences including:

• possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
• knowingly possessing a firearm while unauthorized
• unauthorized possession of a firearm
• assault with a weapon
• discharging a firearm with Intent
• two counts of failure to comply with a release order, and
• three counts of possessing a firearm contrary to order

Police consider Johnson armed and dangerous. If he’s spotted, witnesses should not approach him and call 911 immediately.

The second shooting was on Aug. 24. Shortly before noon, two people were shot outside Peddles Bar at 1490 Barton Street East. The bar sits in a largely residential area in Homeside.

The victims and the suspect are believed to have gotten into a minor physical fight before the suspect retreated back into the bar. However, he soon returned and shot both victims at close range, police allege. The bar’s patio was full of patrons at the time. Both victims were rushed to hospital with serious injuries.

Also on Oct. 9 police announced they were searching for Gary Patrick Cunningham, 22 of Beeton. Cunningham’s hometown is about an hour and a half drive northeast of the bar by Lake Simcoe.

Cunningham is charged with:

• two counts of discharging a firearm with intent
• aggravated assault
• possession of a prohibited loaded firearm
• unauthorized possession of a firearm
• reckless discharge of a firearm

Investigators believe Cunningham is also armed and dangerous. Like Johnson, he too should be avoided. If seen witness should call 911.