A Bonnyville homeowner and one of his alleged attackers are both facing criminal charges after a violent confrontation at a residence left two men in hospital.
Bonnyville RCMP responded to a report of assault with a weapon at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 12.
What police say happened
According to RCMP, several men forced their way into a home. One of the intruders, police allege, assaulted the homeowner with a weapon.
The homeowner then obtained a weapon and seriously injured one of the suspects, police say. The suspects took the weapon, left the residence and got into a vehicle.
The homeowner followed and discharged a firearm at the vehicle. The vehicle was damaged. No one was struck.
Both men were treated at separate hospitals and released.
The charges
Stephen Ray Van Hecke, 54, of Bonnyville, faces one count of assault causing bodily harm and one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Van Hecke appeared before a justice of the peace and was released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville on May 19.
Marc Hamilton Heney, 52, also of Bonnyville, faces multiple charges – including uttering threats and seven firearm-related offences.
Heney appeared before a justice of the peace and was released on conditions. He is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Bonnyville on May 26.
Investigation continues
The police investigation is ongoing. Both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Bonnyville RCMP at 780-826-3324 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
All individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. These charges have not been tried in front of a judge.
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