For Immediate release: January 23, 2018

Hamilton Police Service is requesting the assistance of the public in locating Hamilton resident Zaya DAMERCHIE (male - 31 years). He is wanted following several violent incidents involving a large machete.

On December 7th, 2017 at approximately 4:30pm, Hamilton Police responded to a stabbing in the area of Barton Street East and Ottawa Street North. Police located a male victim in the area with a laceration to his forearm. The victim was transported hospital for medical assistance. DAMERCHIE fled the area with the machete prior to police arriving on scene. A warrant was issued for DAMERCHIE's arrest following the assault.

On January 12th, 2018 just after 12:00am, Hamilton Police responded to the area of Barton Street East and Ottawa Street North for a report of a male with a weapon. DAMERCHIE forced his way into a residence and began threatening the same male victim with a machete. A female resident attempted to intervene and contacted police. DAMERCHIE again fled the area prior to police arriving on scene.

On January 22, 2018 just after 6:30am, DAMERCHIE returned to the same residence carrying the machete. He threatened the female resident with the machete, before damaging and stealing property owned by the female. DAMERCHIE again fled the area prior to police arriving on scene.

DAMERCHIE is considered armed and dangerous, and police are advising not to approach him and to call 9-1-1. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of DAMERCHIE, you are asked to contact Hamilton Police Criminal Investigations Branch by calling 905-546-2907 or 905-546-2929.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

Media Inquiries

Media Relations Office

(905)546-4901

Email: mediarelations@hamiltonpolice.on.ca