An employee accused of shooting a fleeing thief early Tuesday at a Maple Ridge ranch was firing in the air to scare a group of men off the property when several shotgun pellets struck one in the buttocks, by mistake, says his boss.
The 46-year-old man, who lives with his family at Timberline Ranch, was arrested, along with five men allegedly involved in the break-and-enter, but released pending a charge of careless use of a firearm.
He is scheduled to appear in court in May.
“We are hoping that the charges against him will be dropped when more details come out,” said ranch executive-director Craig Douglas.
Timberline Ranch is a 50-year-old Christian camp and retreat centre in Maple Ridge that serves more than 6,000 children and their families each year.
Tuesday was the second time in three days thieves had targeted the rural property on 144th Avenue, at the north end of 224th Street.
Several items were stolen during the first break-in on Saturday, while two groups of children, staff and their families were at the ranch.
Staff believe the same group of criminals returned to the ranch Tuesday around 12:40 a.m. They were heard breaking into a work shop and seen loading tools and a motorcycle into a Timberline vehicle.
Police were called and two ranch staff tried to apprehend the men.
One of them carried a shotgun, which he fired in the air, Douglas said, in an attempt to scare the thieves.
Three of the birdshot pellets, less than five millimetres in diameter, hit one of the men in his buttocks.
Douglas said it was unintentional.
“Our staff truly felt that they were in danger.
“They were really just trying to protect themselves and our property,” he added.
The man hurt was treated in hospital and released with minor injuries.
The shotgun is kept safely locked away on site to protect staff, guest, horses and petting zoo animals from bears and cougars that often wander onto lushly wooded ranch, Douglas added.
All five men, between 20 and 45 years old, fled after being confronted by staff, but were apprehended by police before they could escape in a waiting vehicle.
Although police recovered some of the stolen items, the ranch is still missing cash and tools.
“Many of the staff members are shaken by the brazen invasion of this usually peaceful and serene setting,” said Douglas. “Although Timberline does not in any way condone the use of firearms in this type of situation, the staff and board of directors stand behind our staff member in his intention to scare away this threat to protect his family, and to protect Timberline Ranch.”
The men suspected in the theft – three from Abbotsford, one from Vancouver and another from Surrey – have been released without charges, but will also be back in court in May.
Police are still preparing reports for Crown and are warning people not to confront thieves.
“Don’t deal with the situation on your own. It should go without saying that this type of thing should be left to police,” said Ridge Meadows RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh.
“Anytime a firearm is discharged, it poses a serious threat to the public and police officers’ safety.”
