Man seriously injured in Hamilton assault involving cadets selling poppies

A 59-year-old man sustained severe injuries in Hamilton after stepping in to break up an altercation involving air cadets selling poppies over the weekend. According to police, the man was supervising the cadets outside a restaurant at 1223 Barton St. E. on Sunday when two youths allegedly approached him and startled him with an air horn.

He followed the youths inside the restaurant to confront them, resulting in a struggle. A woman who was not initially involved then joined the youths and allegedly assaulted the man, causing him to fall to the ground. One of the youths subsequently struck the victim multiple times before leaving the restaurant, with the woman following suit and leaving before police arrived.

Upon their arrival, officers found the man suffering from life-altering injuries and transported him to a local hospital. Hamilton Paramedic Services was called to assist. The youths were later located at a nearby retail store, where a 12-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault level one and aggravated assault. A 48-year-old woman was also arrested on Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the police.