Residence in St. John's home invasion case targeted: police

The residence involved in a controversial home invasion case in the east end of St. John's was not a random target, police say.

Five people have been charged in the wake of an incident on MacKenzie Street, in which a couple were threatened with a gun in their own home. Three men entered the home on the evening of April 13 after a woman opened the door andthen threatened to use a gun and knife during a violent confrontation.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says the house was a specific target.

"It's difficult for us to get into specifics of why we're saying that," Const. Paul Davis told CBC News. "But we can tell you this was not a randomly chosen house. This was a home that was chosen for a specific reason."

On Monday, a fifth suspect in the case was charged in provincial court. Gordon Bishop, 24, who has been charged with counts including armed robbery, aggravated assault and forcible confinement, remains in custody until at least next Monday, when he is due to appear again in provincial court.

A bail hearing is scheduled Wednesday for the four other people involved in the case, all of whom were charged this weekend.

Rene Seers, 27, and Stephen Clowe, 24, are charged with breaking and entering, armed robbery, forcible confinement, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

During an investigation that involved the search of a house on Merrymeeting Road, police charged Regina Myers, 50, and Dean Lewis, 31, with possession of stolen property and obstruction of justice.

Homeowner Dave Carey, 60, was treated in hospital for injuries to his head, although he has been released.