Hamilton police charge 12-year-old boy and 48-year-old woman in Barton Street assault

Hamilton Police Service said it has arrested and charged a 12-year-old male youth and a 48-year-old woman after an assault at a restaurant inside Centre Mall that left a 59-year-old man with life-altering injuries, the service announced on Nov. 2, 2026.¹

According to the service, police were called at approximately 1:45 p.m. on Nov. 1, 2026, to the restaurant at 1223 Barton Street East after reports of an assault involving two male youths and the 59-year-old man.¹

The service said the incident began when the two youths approached young Air Cadets from a local squadron who were selling Remembrance Day poppies in front of the restaurant and blew a loud air horn directly into their ears.¹

The 59-year-old adult supervising the cadets followed the youths into the restaurant to confront them about their actions, the service said. A struggle ensued, and an adult female who was not initially involved jumped in to assist the youths, according to the service.¹

The service said the female assaulted the victim, causing him to fall to the ground, and one of the male youths then struck the victim several times before leaving the restaurant. The female also left the scene before police arrived, the service said.¹

Officers located the adult male victim inside the restaurant suffering from serious injuries, according to the service. Hamilton Paramedic Services attended and transported him to a local hospital for treatment, and his injuries are considered life-altering, the service said.¹

A short time later, officers located the two youths at a nearby retail store after receiving reports of a new, unrelated disturbance, the service said. The 12-year-old male youth was arrested and charged with Assault Level One as well as Aggravated Assault, according to the service.¹

The service said officers located the female the morning of Nov. 2 and placed her under arrest. She has also been charged with Aggravated Assault, the service said.¹

The service asked anyone with information that could assist investigators to contact Hamilton Police Division 20 CID at 905-546-2907.¹