A Winnipeg man says police took 90 minutes to respond when an invader assaulted his father with a brick in a sock.
Alain Fourcade says he and his father were forced to defend themselves and they almost faced charges themselves.
"That's what really chokes me up, right," said Fourcade.
Early Thursday morning, Fourcade says his 62-year-old father confronted a man outside their home on Bannatyne Avenue. He was rummaging through their yard and eyeing up their shed.
Fourcade says the man swung a brick in a sock, which struck a front door window and his dad, who was hiding behind it.
"Gunshot -- that was how loud it was. It was like echoing through the house, it was such a loud bang. Something serious is happening," said Fourcade
The noise woke Fourcade, who saw his dad bleeding and charged the suspect.
"Basically, I walked into him full-steam and grabbed him and threw him against the railing as hard as I could.
Pictures show the aftermath of the suspect lying and bleeding on the front step.
Fourcade's family called 911, but police did not show up for 90 minutes.
"It's honestly sad. You're there, you're in the moment, and you're trying to do the right thing and you just realize that help’s not coming and you don't know what to do," said Fourcade.
Winnipeg police say there were 200 calls in the queue that morning. Officers advise homeowners to do their best to stay safe in these situations.
"We always caution them to not get into harm’s way. That being said, we always appreciate the assistance of the public," said Pat.-Sgt. Andree Huberdeau.
Fourcade says when police showed up, his ordeal was far from over. He says police took him downtown and handcuffed him, saying he and his father may be charged, because the suspect was in critical condition.
"Pretty much telling you, if you defend yourself, you're just as guilty as the criminal," said Fourcade.
Police confirm Fourcade and his dad are not facing charges.
A relief for Fourcade and his family. Still, he stresses about the slow response.
"It's nice that they have a helicopter and an armoured vehicle and everything, like I needed someone to just show up on a bike and I could have given them a ride back in my pickup truck," said Fourcade.
Police say the 48-year-old suspect is now in stable condition and has been charged with several counts, including assault with a weapon, break-and-enter, and possessing a weapon dangerous to the public peace.
Fourcade's father went to the hospital and required stitches.