A Taber farmer who smashed a suspected burglar in the face with a hatchet is facing assault charges. On May 29, a couple arrived at their home northwest of Taber to discover an unfamiliar vehicle parked in the driveway. The 46-year-old homeowner parked behind the vehicle, trapping it, while he fetched a hatchet, RCMP said.
The man searched the house and found no one inside but soon encountered a man in his 20s trying to escape in the blocked car.
Police said the homeowner struck the man twice with the blunt end of a hatchet, smashing his teeth and face.
The injured suspect ran off but police tracked him down to his home.
Police arrested two other men on a road near the house. All three were charged with breaking and entering.
Now, five months later, police have charged the homeowner with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.
"Under the Criminal Code, people can use degrees of force when protecting property or a person, but there are limitations, especially if the courts determine it to be excessive force," said Sgt. Patrick Webb.
Joseph Bradley Singleton, 46, is charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.
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