One dead after Hamilton police standoff with barricaded man, watchdog investigating

Hamilton police close part of Princess Street at Lottridge Street and Sherman Avenue on Aug. 1, 2025 (Keith Johnson/CHCH News).

Ontario’s top police watchdog is investigating after a 62-year-old man died following a standoff with Hamilton police on Friday.

Police initially reported that they were responding to an assault in the area of Princess Street, just west of Sherman Avenue North shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Officers say a man barricaded himself inside the home once they arrived.

Parts of Princess Street were closed throughout the day while the police attended the scene.

By Friday afternoon, police issued a statement saying the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) had invoked their mandate.

In a statement released Saturday morning, the SIU said their investigation revealed the man contacted police early Friday morning whilst in crisis. He said he had “explosive devices” and demanded a negotiator come to his house.

SIU officials say a drone was sent into the home after several hours of negotiations with the barricaded man. The footage revealed the man lying on the floor, with blood visible around him.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

The SIU is urging anyone who may have information to contact them at 1-800-787-8529.

READ MORE: Hamilton police close Princess Street for standoff with barricaded man