Gilbert Budgell appears in court on Botwood attempted murder charge

Gilbert Donald Budgell appeared in Grand Falls-Windsor court Monday tofacean attempted murder charge,after what police are calling a home invasion on his property Saturday night in Botwood.

• Botwood shooting: attempted murder charges laid, second suspect at large

Budgell, 53, allegedly "attempted to murder a male of unknown identity while using a firearm by shooting him," according to charges filed with the provincial court.

Home invasion

9 years ago

Duration 0:32

RCMP officers were still at the scene of a home on Swanee Pool Road in Botwood on Sunday, following a shooting that sent one man to hospital with serious injuries.

Budgell has also been charged with having a firearm while prohibited from doing so.

RCMP are continuing to investigate Saturday night's home invasion on Swanee Pool Road, between Botwood and Peterview.

2 suspects in home invasion

Police, who saytwo suspects entered Budgell's home Saturday night,are not commenting on howa homeowner whose residence was invaded came to be charged with such serious offences, or whyBudgell is believed to have shot one of the two men.

"These charges have been carefully considered," Const. Ian Dollimount said in an interview.

Dollimount told CBC News that the RCMP maintains the home invasion was no accident, and saidneighbours have no reason to fear for their safety.

"We do strongly believe ... that this residence was targeted," he said.

"The public can rest assured we don't have concerns for any other residents in the area."

Suspect in hospital

One suspect sustained life-threatening injuries and is being treated at the Health Sciences Centrein St. John's. Police said Monday afternoon that the man remains in critical condition.

Meanwhile, police are scouring for the second suspect, who fled from the scene on foot.

Neighbours told CBC there were officers and police dogs on the Swanee Pool Road property on Monday.

Dollimount suggested that an arrest may happen soon.

"We're going through [a] thorough investigation and we're hoping to have the second suspect before long," he said, encouraging residents in the area to contact the force or the anonymous Crime Stoppers service.

"All information is important and valuable," he said.

Budgell has been in trouble with the law in the past. In 2009, he was charged twice with possession of drugs, and was found guilty in 2011.

Budgell was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000 and placed on probation for 12 months.

Budgell has alsobeen convicted of assault in Ontario. In 2002 he was sentenced to 30 days in jail and18 months probation,and was placed on a weapons prohibition for 10 years.