Man throws vacuum cleaner at axe-wielding suspect

OPP NEWS RELEASE

************************* Assault with weapon

WHITE RIVER, ON - On May 3, 2010, at 9 p.m. Superior East OPP in White River responded to a complaint regarding a male reporting that a second male was attempting to break into the complainant’s residence on Allaire Street by knocking down the door with an axe and had allegedly attempted to strike the victim with the same axe.

Police immediately responded and upon arrival found the axe sitting on the front deck and the door window had been smashed.

Investigation revealed that prior to police arrival an altercation had occurred.

It was further learned that to defend himself from the axe, the complainant had thrown a vacuum cleaner through the door window striking the suspect at the door, knocking him to the ground enabling the axe to be removed from his possession.

The victim jumped on the suspect to prevent him from retrieving the axe.

The two males then separated and the suspect left the area.

The suspect received a broken nose during this altercation.

The suspect, Rodney Saunders, age 40 of White River, Ontario was subsequently arrested at his residence and charged with the following offences:

- Break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence

- Assault with a weapon

- Possess dangerous weapon

- Mischief under $5,000.

The accused was treated at Lady Dunn Hospital for his injury and subsequently transferred to Sault Ste. Marie for a bail hearing.

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