Armed Robbery Investigation Nets Guns and Drugs
A message from the Hamilton Police Service:
Hamilton Police have arrested two individuals following an armed robbery investigation connected to a Bank of Montreal (BMO) branch on Hamilton Mountain.
On May 6, 2026, at approximately 1:48 PM, a masked male entered the BMO located at 1128 Fennell Avenue East and threatened staff while claiming to possess a firearm before fleeing the area.
As a result of an extensive investigation by the Hamilton Police B.E.A.R. Unit, investigators executed a search warrant at an East Mountain residence on May 19, 2026.
During the search, police seized:
- Two loaded prohibited firearms
- Extended firearm magazines
- Approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine
- Canadian currency believed to be proceeds of crime
This investigation resulted in more illegal guns and dangerous drugs being taken off Hamilton streets.
Charged are:
- Joseph Martineau, 58 years-old from Hamilton
- Lisa Kerchener, 51 years-old from Hamilton
Martineau and Kerchener jointly face the following charges:
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (x2)
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited Firearm (x2)
- Knowledge of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (x2)
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon (x3)
- Proceeds of Crime Over $5,000
- Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking
Investigators continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with information related to this investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Dicienzo of the Hamilton Police B.E.A.R. Unit at (905) 546-8934 or Detective Sergeant Brewster at (905) 546-2991. To provide information anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477 or submit tips online at www.crimestoppershamilton.com.
An E-mail Response from Councillor Tom Jackson to Superintendent Blaj from the Hamilton Police Service:
"DEAR SUPT. BLAJ...Because this despicable armed robbery occurred unfortunately on The East Mountain BUT with this amazing sensational outstanding news...I wanted to convey MY office's (and MY East Mountain Community's) SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS to YOU AND the Division #3 Team AND Detective Constable DI CIENZO AND Detective Sgt. BREWSTER of the B.E.A.R. Unit for their relentless pursuit of these 2 suspects! Incredible achievement which will go a long way restoring the "peace of mind" my constituents have come to enjoy and appreciate in Ward 6 primarily due to the super work of the Hamilton Police Service!! I am soooo proud of everyone involved on this successful file!! Feel free to convey this message on my behalf. Councillor Jackson...