A court document shows a Lindsay, Ont., man facing charges for allegedly breaking into an apartment was carrying a crossbow when he was confronted by a tenant.
The resident, Jeremy David McDonald, is also facing assault charges in the incident on Aug. 18 — a fact that has generated widespread interest in the case.
Police information filed in court alleges that Michael Kyle Breen damaged a window and screen at McDonald’s home and carried a crossbow.
The court document states that the 41-year-old Breen is charged with break and enter, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, mischief under $5,000, and failing to comply with a probation order.
Police have said that Breen, who is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing next week, was already wanted for unrelated offences.
McDonald, the 44-year-old resident, was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon after he allegedly “did endanger the life” of Breen.
Some residents and business owners in downtown Lindsay, where the incident took place, expressed support for McDonald on Thursday.
Charmin Eckertt, owner of a local restaurant and catering business, described McDonald as a “nice guy,” noting she only knows him as an “occasional customer” and a neighbour.
“I was actually worried about Jeremy because he’s a really nice guy and he was kind and considerate when we had a flood recently, so I was worried something had happened to him when I saw forensics [truck],” she told CityNews.
“Then, when I found out there had been a home invasion, I was really worried because this little business is so important to me, I’m just a small business, it’s all I’ve got.”
Eckertt says the incident makes her worried about safety in her shop.
“I have ladies who come in here late at night working, come to clean up after we’re done. If someone were to try breaking in when one of my older ladies is still here – I’ve got a lady who is 67 years old – what’s going to happen to her if someone tries to break in. “
Jesse Kalabic said McDonald lives above his business and they’ve been friends for years, describing him as “a good guy.”
“Politicians make the laws, the police uphold the law and they’re bound to a certain degree by the circumstances of this situation,” said Kalabic. “Unfortunately, they had to lay those charges on my friend.”
Kalabic added the incident could be a sign that Canada’s self-defence laws should be reconsidered.
“You can’t really determine the amount of force you’re using, to a certain a degree, if you don’t know the force that’s intended upon yourself.”
Premier Doug Ford blasted the decision to charge the apartment resident, saying last week that it shows “something is broken.”
Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Kirk Robertson wrote in a statement Wednesday that he recognizes the incident has generated significant public interest and “emotional” responses, but called some of the reaction “unjust and inaccurate.”
Robertson wrote that individuals have the right to defend themselves and their property, but the law requires that any defensive action be proportionate to the threat faced.
“This means that while homeowners do have the right to protect themselves and their property, the use of force must be reasonable given the circumstances,” he wrote.
The idea of being charged if you are defending yourself is one that leaves Eckertt concerned.
“I would do anything I could to fight off the invader. I’m not a violent person at all, I can barely kill a bug, but if somebody was in my home I would take whatever means came to me.”
Nick Westoll contributed to this report