Burlington man, 19, arrested in connection with impromptu homecoming party near McMaster

Hamilton police have arrested a 19-year-old man from Burlington in connection with what McMaster University said was a "fake homecoming" event near the university's campus on Oct. 2.

The new arrest brings the number of people arrested to eight after the impromptu homecoming party that McMaster said attracted "several thousand people."

According to Hamilton police, at approximately 12:30 p.m. — just before McMaster Marauders' first home game of the year kicked off — officers responded to a large gathering in the Ainslie Wood area near campus.

By 2 p.m., the crowd had expanded to approximately 5,000 people, police said, and police closed several streets in the area for safety reasons.

A car belonging to Ashley Hogan was smashed, flipped over and destroyed by people at the event.

The latest arrest was made after investigators reviewed video and images from the large unsanctioned gathering, where the car was overturned and street signs were also damaged, police said.

The man — a Wilfrid Laurier student — has been charged with mischief under $5,000.

Police previously arrested and charged two individuals for Liquor Licence Act Offences, as well as five individuals for "breach of the peace/cause disturbance," during the incident.

Investigators continue to appeal for assistance in the identification of additional suspects.

Hamilton police have also released pictures of suspects they said should "seek legal advice" and contact Acting Detective Sergeant John Obrovac at 905-546-3833.

McMaster University previously told CBC Hamilton expulsion and suspension were "on the table," for some students, if their behaviour during homecoming weekend warranted it.