Fatal Linc crash connected to ‘series of escalating incidents’ between Hamilton high-school students, police say

Police believe “escalating incidents” between two Hamilton high schools are connected to a car crash last week that claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy.

Witnesses reported that two or three vehicles were racing on the Lincoln Alexander Parkway near the Upper Gage Avenue overpass just after 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

According to police, two vehicles collided during the race and lost control. While one driver managed to regain control, a Toyota SUV veered off the road, rolling multiple times. Police added that one or more passengers were ejected from the SUV.

Three occupants of the Toyota were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Sadly, one of them, a 15-year-old Hamilton boy, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

In an update on Monday, police revealed that drivers of a black Ford Focus and a silver Infiniti were chasing a Toyota Rav 4 in the parking lot of St. Jean de Brebeuf Secondary School just moments before the fatal crash.

“The collision is believed to be connected to a series of escalating incidents between students from St. Jean de Brebeuf and Nora Frances Henderson Secondary schools,” police said.

Authorities have not disclosed what led to the chase or provided further details about the tensions between the two schools.

While police have not identified the 15-year-old victim, they confirmed that 18-year-old Vincenzino Stumpo, a Hamilton resident, has been charged with dangerous operation causing bodily harm and dangerous operation causing death. It is still unclear if either Stumpo or the victim were students at the involved schools.

Hamilton police said they are working with both school communities—located just over a kilometre apart—to “ensure the safety of staff and students.” Officers will also be present around the two schools on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, to maintain a secure environment and address any concerns.

The driver of the silver Infiniti involved in the incident remains at large, and police are urging him to surrender.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them at 905-546-4753 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.