Kawartha Lakes Police Respond to Homeowner Charged With Assault After Incident With Intruder

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After garnering national media attention, the Kawartha Lakes Police Service issued a response on Thursday to the incident regarding a Lindsay homeowner being charged with assault after attempting to defend his apartment from an intruder that occurred on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Kawartha Lakes Police Service.

The incident occurred at roughly 3:20 a.m. at a Kent Street apartment.

According to a police report, the homeowner woke up to find a male intruder inside his apartment. There was an altercation inside the apartment and the trespasser received serious, life-threatening injuries. He was transported to Ross Memorial Hospital and later air-lifted to a Toronto hospital as a result of his injuries. Police say he will be held in custody pending a bail hearing after his hospital release.

While both men faced charges, the homeowner was charged with aggravated assault and assault with a weapon which sparked outrage towards the Kawartha Lakes Police Service.

“We recognize that the recent media release regarding an incident on August 18, 2025, has generated significant public interest and emotional responses,” said Chief Kirk Robertson of Kawartha Lakes Police Service. “The Kawartha Lakes Police Service appreciates the community's engagement and concern. However, the negative commentary about the officers and their actions is unjust and inaccurate.”

The attention was so great that Doug Ford, the Premier of Ontario and Pierre Polievre, a former candidate for the Canadian Prime Minister, recognized the incident.

@ptbo_canada Doug Ford has some words about the Lindsay homeowner charged with assault for defending his home from an intruder. #ptbocanada #ptbo #peterborough #journalism #journalist ♬ original sound - PTBOCanada

Robertson says the investigation took everything into account before charges were laid.

“The investigators were able to examine all of the information and evidence that was available, prior to laying any charges,” he said. “In order to protect the investigation and the rights of any person who is charged with an offence during their court proceedings, only a limited amount of information is being released to the public.”

Robertson recognizes the homeowner’s right to protect his property; however, he also defends his officers’ actions, stating that the force has to be justifiable.

“Under Canadian law, individuals have the right to defend themselves and their property,” he explained. “The law requires that any defensive action be proportionate to the threat faced. This means that while homeowners do have the right to protect themselves and their property, the use of force must be reasonable given the circumstances.”

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