A man charged with a shooting in Hamilton last month was found to already be in custody following a home invasion in Oakville.
Gunfire rang out near Jackson Street East and Bowen Street on shortly before 3 a.m. Nov. 26, according to Hamilton Police. The area is home to a parking lot in Corktown just off John Street and Main Street.
The Shooting Response Team has investigated the shots fired in the weeks since. On Jan. 6, they announced the filing of charges against Cleveland Vanevery, 23 of Six Nations of the Grand River reserve.
Vanevery was already in Halton Police custody following a home invasion in Oakville. The violent break-in occurred on Dec. 30 near Greeneagle Drive in the town’s Glen Abbey neighbourhood.
Halton Police say three men broke into the home shortly before 5 a.m, punched the home’s resident multiple times and demanded the keys to the cars parked in the driveway.
By the time police arrived, the trio had fled the scene. Police confirmed one of the suspects was armed with a pistol. They arrested one suspect, Vanevery, after a short chase.
The victim was treated in hospital and later released. Their cars were not stolen, but numerous items were taken from the home. These were later recovered.
In connection with the home invasion, Vanevery was charged with several offences including:
- robbery with a firearm,
- breaking and entering,
- failing to comply with a release order,
- possessing a weapon contrary to a prohibition order and more.
In the Hamilton shooting, Vanevery is additionally charged with:
- knowingly possessing a firearm while prohibited
- reckless discharge of a firearm
- discharge of a firearm with intent
- possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
- two more counts of failure to comply with release orders and,
- possession of a firearm contrary to a court order
According to Halton Police Chief Steve Tanner Venevery’s earlier court orders were the result of similar incidents in Niagara Region. He expressed dismay at the situation and said too many home invasions have been reported in Halton Region.
“I can only imagine the fear that was felt by the victim and his family when three armed men broke into their home at 5 a.m. and assaulted him, causing injuries, including a broken nose. Thankfully, the quick response of our front-line officers resulted in the arrest of one of the suspects near the scene,” Tanner said of the Oakville home invasion.
“Our citizens should not have their personal safety and the security of their own property threatened by violent and repeat offenders who are out on bail and who are bound by court orders to which they have no intention of complying,” he continued.
The latest charges against Vanevery have not been proven in court.
Back in Hamilton, police confirmed they had not identified a target of the Nov. 26 shooting. They have asked anyone involved and any potential witness to come forward.
Those with information about these incidents can call Hamilton Police at 905-546-4883, Halton Police at 905-546-4883 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
with files from Steve Pecar.
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