Calgary family wants changes after video catches neighbour waving hatchets, shouting racial slurs

A Calgary family is concerned after a neighbour they usually get along with was caught on camera holding weapons, destroying property and shouting slurs.

Disturbing actions from a next-door neighbour have a Calgary family calling for action from police and policymakers.

“I just don’t want someone to get hurt, that’s all. I don’t want him to get hurt or he can hurt someone else,” said Joffrey De Villa.

When De Villa’s truck was vandalized outside his southeast Calgary home in October, his family installed security cameras, which months later captured video of their neighbour on their driveway holding hatchets and shouting racial slurs, then chopping into their planters.

De Villa called 911 but said the responding officer called it a mental-health incident and never followed up with them.

“It’s not too big of a value to me, but it’s an indication that he is trying to destroy or damage property or, worse, can hurt someone one day,” said De Villa.

On July 11, he called 911 again when video caught the same neighbour kicking De Villa’s garage while cursing.

He called 911 another time that night when the family woke to loud sounds and saw video showing the neighbour with hatchets outside their front door, once again cursing and shouting slurs.

“Oh, it was terrifying. Like I don’t really get scared, but that scares me,” said De Villa.

De Villa thinks the government needs better policy for mental-health matters.

He gave an officer his videos and days later got a text that they were still investigating.

CPS said it received four reports about disturbances, property damage and uttering threats in this case.

“While the behaviour is concerning to police, there is currently insufficient evidence to support criminal charges. Investigators continue to actively gather information, and should further evidence meet the threshold for charges, they will be laid accordingly,” said a statement from CPS.

Officers work closely with mental-health specialists.

“Once individuals are supported and addressed, these behaviours should be mitigated, but it’s tough. I do empathize with these situations,” said Sgt. Chris Warren.

But one legal expert says Calgary police need to step up in this case.

“When you have a neighbour standing in front of your front door with two hatchets, spewing racial epithets, that’s an offence in the Criminal Code of Canada,” said Doug King with MRU.

“Police are dealing with fire here. The police have got to up their game here.”

De Villa, his wife and their 15-year-old son have lived in the home for 12 years.

De Villa said they have previously had only pleasant interactions with the neighbour and understand there are mental-health issues, but he wants action—and not just for his family.

“I wish our leaders, politicians, (would) do something about it; there’s a lot going on like this right now. It’s a crisis,” said De Villa.

“There’s a mental issue involved; of course they need help. But us, too. We need help. We need peace of mind. I want my house to be my sanctuary.”

Instead, the family is frustrated and is considering moving even though they don’t want to leave.

“This is really home for me, so it’s kind of hard,” said De Villa.

De Villa said there is also no guarantee that another place couldn’t have the same issues.

Police say anyone in a similar situation should get away from the threatening person and into their home, take notes and video about what’s happening and call 911.

Legal experts say homeowners in situations like this could file complaints against police.

They could also get a restraining order for property damage concerns, but it can take months and could include legal fees.