Police seek public’s help identifying Hamilton Mountain assault suspect

Hamilton police are asking for the public’s help trying to identify a suspect who assaulted a woman on the Hamilton Mountain in July.

Police say a woman was walking in the area of Upper Paradise and Donnici Drive on July 13 at around 9:30 a.m. when she was approached by a strange male who dragged her off the trail and began assaulting her.

Luckily, witnesses were walking in the area and they intervened, prompting the male to stop the assault and run off.

He was last seen fleeing southbound towards Upper Paradise and was later seen on video in the area of Edgehill Drive.

“This was a violent daytime assault and we need the public’s help in identifying the suspect before he acts again. We encourage anyone who may recognize him to contact police or CrimeStoppers. Thankfully, witnesses were able to intervene during the attack otherwise we could have been dealing with different outcomes,” Detective Sergeant Jennifer Currie said in a release.

Police say they have information that the suspect may be a student or recent graduate of a high school in the area.

“Staff and students at local high schools are encouraged to review the image and contact investigators if they recognize him,” police said.

“Hamilton Police are also aware of several incidents that have occurred on Hamilton trails since June 2022. As a result, of these incidents the Hamilton Police Service has deployed extra resources to increase police presence on area trails to help ensure community safety.”