Vaughan homeowner fires shots at suspects who broke into residence: police

York Regional Police say they’re searching for three suspects in connection with a break-in at a Vaughan home.

Police are not laying charges at this time against a homeowner who fired shots at three suspects who broke into their home in Vaughan on Tuesday morning.

The incident took place near Carrville Woods Circle and Crimson Forest Drive shortly before 1 a.m.

York Regional Police released security video showing the moment three suspects forced their way into the home. The video then jumps to the suspects running out of the door and into a waiting pickup truck.

In a news release, police said the homeowner discharged their own firearm towards the suspects. They noted that the homeowner owns the firearm legally and has properly stored it.

Acting York police chief Cecile Hammond said: “We recognize that in situations regarding armed intruders, the immediate threat to life is paramount.”

“As every situation is unique, no one piece of advice fits all circumstances. Your first priority is to safeguard yourself and your family. This includes taking steps to seek a secure location and calling 911 immediately.”

She added that the law allows for people to use “reasonable force” to protect themselves and their family “only when necessary.”

“Depending on the circumstances of each incident, homeowners can still be held liable for their actions.”

No one in the home was injured.

Police say the suspects fled by the time they arrived.

However, at approximately 3:15 a.m., a male was dropped off at a Toronto-area hospital, who investigators say is one of the suspects involved in the break-in.

Charges are pending against the male suspect, who police say is in their custody in the hospital.

No descriptions of the three outstanding suspects have been released.

Deputy Chief Jim Killby said police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspects.

He noted that this was York police’s third home invasion of the year, adding that this one was particularly violent.

“At this time, we are continuing with our canvass at both locations, the location where this incident took place and the area hospitals associated to this event itself,” he said.