Homicide unit called in to Hamilton shooting
Hamilton homicide unit has taken over the investigation of a morning shooting at an apartment building on Emerald Street South.
The incident took place around 8:30 a.m. at 70 Emerald St. S.
Hamilton police spokesperson Terri-Lynn Collings said police are searching the 46-unit Emerald Gardens condominium near Main Street and have locked down the nearby St. Charles Adult Education Centre.
Collings said she didn't immediately have information available about the suspect. At the scene, Staff Sergeant Loris Pilot said the suspect was not in the building.
Emergency officials said the man was in hospital in serious but stable condition.
Superintendant Tracy Alkaya identified the man as Peter Williams and said he had been renting at the building for a year and that she had never had any disturbances connected to him. She said he lived alone on the 7th floor and also has a sister who lived in the building.
Williams' best friend Betty "Angel" Kerr said he called her just after being shot and she then called 911.
"He said I've been shot . . . I'm dying and then hung up," she said. He was still conscious when paramedics loaded him into an ambulance bound for the Hamilton General Hospital.
He had visible wounds to his side.
She said Williams, 47, is on disability benefits for numerous health reasons and has prescription drugs in his apartment.
Williams' sister recently moved into the building, less than a month ago, and Kerr believes she may have been an associate of the alleged shooter who is believed to have been hanging around the apartment building for the last couple of days.
Shawn McQuay, who also lives on the 7th floor, said he was leaving for work when he heard what he thought was someone hammering. He said he heard four or five "hits."
Juanita, who lives on the fourth floor but did not want her last name used, said she was about to shower Friday morning and then heard people saying "There's gunshots, there's gunshots" so she ran downstairs.
Residents were blocked from entering the apartment building, as police sercured the scene and then canvassed neighbours.
A Blue Line taxi was searched and towed from the scene.
At one point there were eight police cruisers on scene and a fire truck. Officers were taking to people in the area. Police have not yet provided officials details on what happened.
Watch thespec.com for updates and follow @HilaryatTheSpec and @NicoleatTheSpec, who are on scene.
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