A homeowner on Beverly Dr. had a swift response to a man who allegedly opened his front door early Sunday, Dec. 6. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

odd crime

Nanaimo homeowner chases down break & enter suspect, forces him to report crime

Dec 8, 2020 | 5:52 AM

NANAIMO — A central Nanaimo homeowner took matters into his own hands when he noticed a potential thief on his property.

Police say it happened on Sunday, Dec. 6 at about 2:30 a.m. at a Beverly Dr. home near Meredith Rd., where the victim heard his dog barking.

Cst. Gary O’Brien said the homeowner, who was watching videos at the time, noticed his front door was wide open and then saw a shoeless male suspect standing on his lawn.

The homeowner chased the alleged offender down, who O’Brien said took a swing with a long metal key chain object and cut the victim’s elbow.

“He actually pinned the guy to the ground at which point he told him to call 911 and we arrived and took the individual into custody,” O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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A break and enter charge is pending against a 31-year-old man released from custody in the morning.

He has an initial court appearance set for Feb. 2, 2021.

Investigators believe alcohol may have played a role in his behaviour.

“He had a weapon on him and whether he was so intoxicated he didn’t know where he was, or he was trying to go into the house to do harm or steal something, either way, always ensure your doors are locked.”

O’Brien said while confronting a suspect can be dangerous and is not advised, he said the victim’s instincts in this case were not out of line.

“But he was quite comfortable in what he was doing, and he didn’t strike the individual, he simply held him on the ground until the police arrived.”

O’Brien said the barking dog may have been enough to convince the suspect not to go inside.

It appears nothing was stolen from the victim’s home.

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