Hatchet-waving, racial slur-hurling Calgary neighbour charged

CTV News

4 days ago

Disturbing actions from a next-door neighbour have a Calgary family calling for action from police and policymakers. The man was charged.
Serious criminal charges have now been laid after a Calgary family raised concerns about police not acting quickly following frightening and bizarre behaviour by a neighbour.
But after CTV's reporting of the situation Tuesday, police have charged Shayne Stewart with two counts of criminal harassment and one count each of assault with a weapon, mischief, unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a controlled substance.
The 47 year-old was taken into custody. He was scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
Joffrey De Villa was pleased to hear police have taken action, after he called 911 in May and July when his security cameras caught disturbing behaviour from his neighbour.
When De Villa's truck was vandalized outside his southeast Calgary home in October, his family installed security cameras, which months later captured video of their neighbour on their driveway holding hatchets and shouting racial slurs, then chopping into their planters.
De Villa called 911 but said the responding officer called it a mental-health incident and never followed up with them.
'It's not too big of a value to me, but it's an indication that he is trying to destroy or damage property or, worse, can hurt someone one day,' said De Villa.
On July 11, he called 911 again when video caught the same neighbour kicking De Villa's garage while cursing.
He called 911 another time that night when the family woke to loud sounds and saw video showing the neighbour with hatchets outside their front door, once again cursing and shouting slurs.
De Villa, his wife and their 15-year-old son have lived in the home for 12 years.
De Villa said they have previously had only pleasant interactions with the neighbour and understand there are mental-health issues, but he wants action—and not just for his family.
'I wish our leaders, politicians, (would) do something about it; there's a lot going on like this right now. It's a crisis,' said De Villa.
'There's a mental issue involved; of course they need help. But us, too. We need help. We need peace of mind.
'I want my house to be my sanctuary.'
Disturbing actions from a next-door neighbour have a Calgary family calling for action from police and policymakers.
Disturbing actions from a next-door neighbour have a Calgary family calling for action from police and policymakers.
Top priority
Calgary Police Service said the safety of all Calgarians, particularly those being targeted in their own homes, is a top priority.
'While we aim to act quickly, ongoing investigations can sometimes have unforeseen challenges that can become time consuming, including the need to collect evidence, witness statements and compile the necessary information to support formal charges.
It is important to understand that we strive not simply for a charge, but the successful prosecution of those offenders we charge,' said a statement from CPS.