A Timmins, Ontario, reptile store owner faces multiple criminal charges after allegedly using a machete to confront a man who had shattered his business’s storefront window on June 26. Robert Boucher, owner of Aquatics and Exotics, was arrested after he pursued and injured the individual, who was later hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries to his arms and legs, according to the Timmins Police Service.
Charges and Legal Context
Boucher is currently charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm. The individual accused of breaking the window faces a single charge of mischief under $5,000. Under Canadian law, property owners may use reasonable force to protect their assets, but the legal system prohibits vigilante justice or retribution, according to Toronto-based criminal defence lawyer Alison Craig. Whether the use of a machete constitutes “reasonable” force remains a central question that courts will evaluate, Craig noted.
Did You Know? Robert Boucher, who operates under the name “reptile Rob” with over 15,000 TikTok followers, stated he pursued the suspect because he feared a lizard had been stolen, though he later discovered the animal unharmed inside the store.
Police Guidance on Public Safety
The Timmins Police Service has used this incident to formally discourage citizens from confronting suspected criminals. Michelle St. Louis, a communications coordinator for the service, emphasized that the primary goal is public safety and the prevention of violence. Police advise that the most effective course of action is to call 911 or use the non-emergency reporting system to provide investigators with timely, detailed information rather than attempting to intervene personally.
Dispute Over Security and Reporting
Boucher has expressed frustration with local law enforcement, claiming he sent numerous videos of suspicious activity to police in the weeks preceding the June 26 incident. In response, St. Louis clarified that the emails were directed to an individual officer who was off-duty or on vacation and not monitoring that account. According to St. Louis, previous investigations regarding the property were completed and closed due to a lack of evidence, and she urged business owners to use official reporting channels to ensure reports are processed regardless of an individual officer’s schedule.
Expert Insight: The legal threshold for self-defence and property protection is highly fact-specific. While the law allows for the protection of property, the distinction between a crime in progress and a pursuit following the end of an immediate threat is critical. The courts will likely weigh whether Boucher had reasonable alternatives, such as contacting police, before initiating a physical confrontation.
What Happens Next
Boucher is scheduled to appear in court on July 28 to face the charges brought against him. Legal analysts expect the court to examine the specific circumstances of the encounter, including the intensity of the force used and whether the threat to the business had already passed when the confrontation occurred. The store owner has indicated he is struggling financially due to repeated break-ins, while the local community remains divided in their reactions to his actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the store owner charged?
Boucher faces charges including aggravated assault and assault with a weapon because police report he followed a suspect and injured him with a machete after the initial vandalism occurred.
What was the status of the lizard?
Boucher initially believed the animal had been stolen during the window-smashing incident, but he later found the lizard unharmed inside the store.
What is the police recommendation for business owners?
Police advise that business owners should not pursue or confront suspects, as these situations can escalate into violence. Instead, they recommend calling 911 or using non-emergency reporting systems to ensure incidents are documented and investigated appropriately.
How should business owners balance the need to protect their livelihoods with the risks of personal confrontation?
