Police say verbal interaction led to release of substance at Hamilton McDonald’s

Local police are investigating after a female youth was directly struck by noxious substance released inside a Hamilton fast-food restaurant early on Wednesday evening (Apr. 24).

Hamilton paramedics attended the scene to treat the youth along with four others who were also affected by the substance administered in the air at the McDonald’s located on Upper Wentworth.

Hamilton police said a male, believed to be a teenager, entered the McDonald’s at 5:40 p.m. and engaged the young female in “a verbal interaction.”

“The conversation eventually escalated to where the male youth sprayed a noxious substance directly at the female youth,” said Hamilton police on Thursday.

The female youth and four others were treated on the scene and not transported to hospital.

Police say the female victim left the area prior to their arrival.

“The suspect fled the area immediately after administering the noxious substance,” added Hamilton police.

Police have identified the victim, but have yet to speak with her. Their investigation into the incident is ongoing.