Hamilton Duo Faces New Elder Abuse and Auto Theft Charges After Arson Case
A man and woman from Hamilton, Ontario, who were previously arrested and charged with multiple counts of arson, are now facing additional serious allegations including elder abuse and auto thefts. The Hamilton Police Service announced the upgraded charges this week, revealing that what began as an investigation into deliberately set fires has uncovered evidence of prolonged criminal activity.
Arson Investigation Uncovers Broader Criminal Pattern
According to police statements, investigators with the Break and Enter, Auto Theft and Robbery (B.E.A.R.) Unit first became involved in December 2025 after responding to a suspicious fire at a residence in Hamilton's Stipley neighbourhood. The investigation revealed that the home and an associated outbuilding had been intentionally set on fire on four separate occasions: December 13, December 14, December 23, 2025, and January 12, 2026.
The fires resulted in approximately $100,000 in damage, though police emphasized that the incidents appeared targeted toward a single location with no broader pattern of risk to the community. Following the arson investigation, police obtained a search warrant for a residence on the Hamilton Mountain and arrested two individuals.
Initial Charges and Bail Opposition
The initial arrests led to charges against 28-year-old Nicholas Tomasetti (Chine) and 23-year-old Kayla Harris. Tomasetti faced four counts each of arson – damage to property and possession of incendiary materials, plus two counts of break and enter. Harris was charged with arson – damage to property and possession of incendiary materials.
Police opposed bail for both individuals at the time of their initial court appearances. Following the initial charges, one of the accused was released from custody but allegedly breached court-imposed release conditions, according to police statements.
Elder Abuse Allegations Surface During Continued Investigation
As investigators continued their work on the arson case, they uncovered disturbing evidence suggesting the prolonged abuse of an elderly person. This discovery prompted a separate criminal investigation that involved gathering evidence through witness statements, search warrants, and extensive investigative follow-up.
"As a result of continued investigative efforts related to the arson investigation, officers uncovered information suggesting the prolonged abuse of an elderly person," police stated in their official announcement.
The new allegations include physical assault of the victim, forcible confinement, threats, and the use of weapons over an extended period of time. These serious charges represent a significant escalation from the original arson allegations.
Auto Theft and Property Crime Charges Added
Further complicating the case, police executed search warrants at additional properties associated with both accused individuals and recovered stolen vehicles and proceeds of crime. Vehicle examinations determined that several vehicles had been stolen and re-identified, leading to additional charges related to auto theft.
Police indicated that additional charges related to these stolen vehicles are anticipated as the investigation continues. The recovered evidence suggests a pattern of property crime extending beyond the initial arson allegations.
Upgraded Charges for Both Accused
The new charges against Nicholas Tomasetti (Chine) include proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number, failing to comply with a release order, four counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of forcible confinement, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault causing bodily harm, uttering threats to cause death, uttering threats to cause bodily harm, and mischief under $5,000.
Kayla Harris now faces additional charges including proceeds of crime over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, altering/destroying/removing a vehicle identification number, assault with a weapon, two counts of forcible confinement, and assault.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety
Hamilton Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. While they believe the incidents were targeted and there is no broader risk to the public, they continue to pursue all leads and evidence related to these serious allegations.
Police are urging anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Det. Const. Chad Doan at 905-540-3819 or Det. Greg Blunsdon at 905-540-5085. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
The case highlights how initial investigations into property crimes can sometimes uncover more serious patterns of criminal behavior, particularly when vulnerable populations like elderly citizens become victims. The Hamilton Police Service's continued investigative work has transformed what began as an arson case into a multi-faceted criminal investigation with serious implications for community safety and justice.
