Lethbridge Police Inspector Jason Walper

By David Opinko

Two youths charged in New Year’s Eve home invasion in Lethbridge

Jan 2, 2020 | 5:23 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police officers were called to a home on the 100 block of Simon Fraser Boulevard West just after 11:00 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 31, after a report of a home invasion.

Lethbridge Police Inspector Jason Walper says five people entered the home, allegedly wearing disguises and brandishing pellet guns.

“During an altercation with the home owners the subjects had discharged the pellet guns inside the residence, causing property damage to the home as well as to other items in the house. No individuals were struck by the pellets.”

Veiled threats were also allegedly made to the occupants of the home.

The suspects fled in nearby vehicles prior to the arrival of police.

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During their investigation, Walper says police were led to a home on the 1200 block of 9th Ave North where one of the involved vehicles was found.

Five people were taken into custody without incident. A pellet gun was confiscated.

Two 17-year-olds, who cannot be named, have been charged with break and enter and commit mischief, disguised with intent, and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public. They were released by a Justice of the Peace to appear in court at a later date.

The motivation for the attack at this point, remains unclear.

“Our investigators are still really getting into the motives behind this, but certainly it appears these groups -these two groups of individuals – have had previous altercations, but we’re still really looking into that at this point.”

The investigation is still ongoing and police say more people could be arrested and charged.