‘Repeated physical assaults’: Hamilton police charge arson suspects with elder abuse, auto theft

A Hamilton Police vehicle is seen on Friday, May 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nick Iwanyshyn

Two suspects accused of setting multiple fires in a Hamilton neighbourhood are now facing new charges related to the “repeated” physical assault and forcible confinement of a senior, as well as auto theft, police say.

Hamilton police said investigators began looking into a suspicious fire at a home in Stipley on Dec. 13. They determined the property and associated outbuilding were intentionally set on fire, and three additional arsons were reported over a one-month period. The fires resulted in $100,000 worth of damage.

Officers executed a search warrant on a residence on Hamilton Mountain and two suspects, identified as 28-year-old Nicholas Tomasetti (Chine) and 23-year-old, Kayla Harris, were taken into custody on charges of arson, break-and-enter, damage to property, and possession of incendiary materials.

Police did not say what may have motivated the alleged arsons, but have said they were targeted. It’s unclear if any injuries were reported.

In an update on Tuesday, police said that, as their investigation continued, they discovered information suggesting the “prolonged abuse of an elderly person,” which triggered a separate investigation.

“That investigation revealed allegations of repeated physical assaults, forcible confinement, threats, and the use of weapons over an extended period of time. As a result, multiple additional charges were laid against both accused.”

It’s unclear what relation, if any, the victim has to the two accused.

Police also said additional search warrants resulted in the recovery of stolen vehicles and proceeds of crime. Of the vehicles discovered, several had been re-vinned, a process used to disguise a stolen car for unsuspecting drivers.

Tomasetti and Harris are now facing additional charges, including forcible confinement, assault causing bodily harm, possession of crime over $5,000 and altering, destroying or removing a vehicle identification number. Investigators said additional charges are expected to be laid in connection with the allegedly stolen vehicles.