Hamilton police say three people were assaulted downtown on Saturday afternoon in what they believe was a random attack with a weapon.

Officers were called to the area near the Sheraton Hotel, 116 King St. W., around 4 p.m.

Police say a man was reported running along King, engaging pedestrians in altercation then trying to hit them with a wooden table leg.

Three men, ages 21, 38 and 52, were attacked in separate incidents in the area between Market and Hess streets and just east of King and Bay streets.

The three victims suffered minor injuries and in one case, the victim was able to block the wooden leg from hitting him.

The attacks happened shortly before the Santa Claus Parade was set to start and head along York Boulevard.

Acting Staff Sgt. Daryl Reid said motives are not clear and it appears to be a random act. The victims did not know each other. They did not know the suspect.

"It appears completely unprovoked," Reid said. "We don't know why he did what he did."

A 37-year-old Hamilton man was arrested in the area without incident. A weapon was recovered.

He was held for a bail hearing Sunday. He faces two charges of assault, one charge of assault with a weapon, possession of a dangerous weapon to the public, and three breaches of probation.

rgrover@thespec.com

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