Tyler Johnson killing not a random act: Hamilton police

Hamilton police said Tyler Johnson's killing was not a random act, but released no further information about suspects on Thursday.

Johnson, 30, was shot dead last Friday night at a King St. W. plaza near Hess Village. On Saturday, police searched through a parking lot between Vida La Pita restaurant and Tim Hortons where the killing took place for clues and viewed security camera footage from nearby businesses.

"We've taken a number of surveillance videos of the area," said Sgt. Paul Hamilton.

• RELATED: Hamilton shooting victim had 'high hopes and dreams'

A business manager in the area told CBC Hamilton that his footage shows a man brandishing a gun. The man also said police investigators had told him they believe they know the suspect, but Hamiltonwould not confirm that.

Hamilton did ask anyone with information about the shooting to contact police. Specifically people who were in the area that night.

"There's definitely people who were in the area at the time who left before the police arrived," Hamilton said. He said that because the shooting was not random, he does not believe there is arisk to the general public.

• RELATED: Hess Village homicide highlights neighbourhood concerns

Hamilton declined to comment when asked if police would be beefing up their presence in the two plazas on King where the killing took place. Earlier this fall a teen was stabbed to death outside theTim Hortons. Last year there was a shooting in the same area.

"I investigate homicides," Hamilton said, adding other police departments are in charge of operations and staffing.

Local businesses have been asking police to station officers in the plazas after closing-time at Hess Village.

A visitation for Johnson is being held on Thursday and a funeral is scheduled for Friday.

Friends described Johnson, a fourth-year engineering student at McMaster, as a loyal friend who had high hopes and dreams for himself. Many told CBC Hamilton they were shocked to hear about his death.

Johnson is the 13th person killed in Hamilton this year.