Ontario police say 'escalating incidents' between high schools connected to deadly crash

Hamilton police say "escalating disputes" between two high schools in Hamilton, Canada are linked to a fatal crash last week. A 15-year-old boy died in this accident.

According to witnesses, three vehicles were traveling on the Lincoln Alexander Highway near the intersection of Upper Gage Street just after 2:30 p.m. on Friday.

Finally, two cars collided and went out of control. The driver of one car was able to regain control, but the other driver, a Toyota SUV, veered off the road and rolled several times. Police say one of the passengers was probably thrown from the car.

Three occupants of the Toyota were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. One of the passengers, a 15-year-old boy from Hamilton, died shortly after the accident.

Police said in an update Monday that the investigation showed the drivers of a black Ford Focus and a silver Nissan Infiniti were chasing a Toyota RAV4 in the parking lot of St. Jean de Berbeuf High School moments before the fatal crash.

"The crash is believed to be related to an escalated dispute between students at St. Jean de Berbeuf High School and Nora Frances Henderson High School," police said.

Police have not said what prompted the chase and have not released more information about the apparent tension between the two schools.

The identity of the 15-year-old boy who died has not been released by police, however, 18-year-old Hamilton resident Vincenzo Stampo has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm and dangerous driving occasioning death.

It is not clear which school Stumpo or the student victim attended.

Hamilton police said they would work with the communities of both schools, which are just over a kilometer apart, to "ensure the safety of staff and students".

Police added that "officers will be present on the grounds of St. Jean de Berbeuf and Nora Frances Henderson high schools on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, to maintain a safe environment and address any concerns."

The driver of the silver Nissan Infiniti has not yet been located and investigators are urging him to turn himself in to police.

Police said they are still investigating the crash and are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to call Crime Stoppers at 905-546-4753 or anonymously.

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