No Charges Filed for Vaughan Resident Who Shot Intruder

Police north of Toronto have decided not to press charges against a homeowner who shot and injured someone they believe was breaking into their home.

York Regional Police report that the resident in Vaughan, Ont., used a gun that was legally owned and properly stored, and based on the evidence at the scene, no charges will be laid.

Authorities say one of the suspects involved in the break-in was taken to a hospital in the Toronto area with a gunshot wound, and he is facing potential charges.

“We understand that when dealing with armed intruders, protecting life is crucial,” acting York Regional Police Chief Cecile Hammond said during a news conference on Tuesday.

“Each situation is different; there’s no universal advice. Your main goal should be to keep yourself and your family safe. This means finding a secure place and calling 911 right away.”

Hammond stated that individuals can use “reasonable force” for self-defense as permitted under the Criminal Code.

“Depending on what happens in each case, homeowners might still be held responsible for their actions.”

On Tuesday, police released video footage showing masked individuals entering and exiting the house. You can hear rapid gunfire as they flee towards a waiting black pickup truck.

WATCH | Video shows intruders entering, leaving home in Vaughan, Ont., home invasion:

According to law enforcement, officers arrived just before 1 a. m. after receiving reports about a shooting at the residence located near Carrville Woods Circle and Crimson Forest Drive, close to Rutherford Road and Dufferin Street.

They mentioned multiple suspects allegedly armed with at least one firearm forced their way into the house. The suspects were later seen getting into the black pickup truck before speeding away from the location.

The police were informed around 3:15 a. m. that an injured male had been dropped off at a hospital. They confirmed he was brought in shortly after the reported break-in.

The hold-up unit’s investigators have verified that this male sustained his injuries during the home invasion incident. He was reported to be stable as of Tuesday.

Authorities are asking for public assistance in identifying those involved in this case. Officers are currently canvassing nearby areas around where it happened.

The search continues for three individuals who assisted him in reaching the hospital.

A middle-aged man and an older woman were inside their home during the break-in but thankfully were not harmed.

Michael Celio, who lives nearby, mentioned he was awake during that time and heard noises resembling either “animals on the roof” or something unusual. When he checked outside, he noticed several police cars parked along his street.

Celio expressed his concern saying he’s “super concerned.”

“I was actually working in my office right here up until 12:30, and if I had been there just half an hour longer, I would have witnessed everything.”

‘Refreshing’ that homeowner not charged: lawyer

Ari Goldkind, a criminal defense attorney, shared that he finds it “refreshing” there are no charges against this homeowner.

“It seems like law enforcement has done some thorough work here instead of rushing to charge someone without proper investigation,” he noted.
Goldkind further emphasized understanding legal boundaries stating,
“The laws regarding self-defense are quite clear-whether you use firearms or other means like knives or pepper spray-you can only apply as much force as necessary to protect yourself or your family from immediate danger,” he explained.

This follows last month’s decision when prosecutors dropped charges against another individual from Lindsay, Ont., accused of assaulting an alleged intruder back in August 2025-a case which gained attention from Premier Doug Ford among others criticizing those initial accusations.

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