Police chief furious after suspect with rap sheet charged in violent home invasion in Oakville, Ontario

An Ontario police chief says more must be done to keep repeat offenders in custody after a man with a lengthy rap sheet was charged in connection with a home invasion in Oakville.

Halton police allege that shortly before 5 a.m. on Nov. 30, three suspects broke into a home on Greeneagle Drive in the town’s Glen Abbey neighbourhood and confronted a resident of the home, demanded he turn over the keys to the vehicles parked in the driveway and “punched him multiple times.”

Police allege that one of the suspects was armed with a handgun.

Officers were called to the scene and arrested one suspect after a short pursuit.

The resident was taken to hospital with injuries and has since been released, according to police. Items taken from the home were later recovered, and the vehicles were not stolen.

Officers did not recover the handgun allegedly used in the incident.

Cleveland VanEvery, a 23-year-old man from Ohsweken, Ont., was charged with a number of offences, including robbery with a firearm, breaking and entering, failing to comply with a release order, possessing a weapon contrary to a prohibition order and more.

In a statement, HRPS Chief Steve expressed dismay at the situation and said too many home invasions have been reported in the Halton region. He also said the suspect was out on a release order related to theft charges in the Niagara region and was prohibited from carrying a weapon.

“I can only imagine the fear that was felt by the victim and his family when three armed men broke into their home at 5 a.m. and assaulted him, causing injuries, including a broken nose. Thankfully, the quick response of our front-line officers resulted in the arrest of one of the suspects near the scene,” Tanner said.

“Violent home invasions have occurred too frequently in Halton and across the GTA this year – often for the keys to valuable motor vehicles. In this particular case, I am appalled that the individual we arrested and who is now charged with [multiple offences] committed yet another violent offence. It’s worth noting that the weapons prohibition order is in place because he was previously convicted of possessing a firearm.”

In his statement, Tanner said the suspect was previously convicted of multiple offenses, including possessing a firearm, stealing a vehicle, breaking and entering, assault with a weapon, arson and failing to comply with previous release orders.

“Our citizens should not have their personal safety and the security of their own property threatened by violent and repeat offenders who are out on bail and who are bound by court orders to which they have no intention of complying,” Tanner said.

“Yet these same violent offenders continue to be released and further victimize more people through their ongoing criminal acts of incredible violence. These types of offenders should be held in custody, and subject to substantial jail terms upon conviction.”

The latest charges against VanEvery have not been proven in court.

Police say one outstanding suspect is described as a male with a heavy build who was last seen wearing black clothes and a black facemask/balaclava. The other is described as a male with a thin build who was wearing light-coloured clothing and a black facemask.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.