1 dead, 1 injured in downtown Hamilton shooting, police say

A female is dead and a male is injured after a shooting in downtown Hamilton on Friday, police say.

The shooting happened in the area of King Street between James and MacNab streets, according to Insp. Greg Doerr of the Hamilton Police Service. Police were called to the area shortly before 5:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, they found two victims.

The female was pronounced dead at the scene, while the male was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Doerr said the shooter was last seen fleeing on James Street. No further description was released.

Lockdowns of buildings, in place after 6 p.m., have since been lifted, he said.

The shooting occurred blocks away from where crowds were enjoying a free Art Crawl festival, which runs on James Street North, north of Wilson Street. 

"We know there is somebody armed with a firearm in the city — we're always concerned," Doerr said.

In a news release on Friday, police said members of its emergency response unit cleared Jackson Square as they investigated. Police also searched James Street.

"A large police presence will remain in place for several hours as officers secure the scene, collect evidence, and work to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident," police said in the release.

"We recognize that incidents of violence have a significant impact on our community. Hamilton Police are committed to conducting a thorough investigation, identifying those involved, and ensuring the continued safety of the public."

Roads are closed and traffic is being diverted around King Street, James Street and MacNab Street. Police are restricting pedestrian and vehicle access and residents are being asked to avoid the area.

Anyone who was in the area between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. and who witnessed anything, or who has surveillance footage, dashboard camera video, is urged to come forward to police.