“Hero” storeowner’s trial begins

CANOE Live, October 4, 2010 

Despite some Chinatown residents calling him a local hero, David Chen appeared in court Monday on charges of assault and forcible confinement.

The 36-year-old owner of Lucky Moose Food Market on Dundas St. was accused of attacking a shoplifter outside of his store last year.

Chen caught the thief stealing $60 worth of plants on his store’s surveillance camera and an hour later he recognized the man again. The storeowner chased him down and detained him until police were at the scene.

Once the police arrived, the tables turned on Chen who was accused of using excessive force while holding down the shoplifter.

The shoplifter, Anthony Bennett, has a history of criminal activity and has pleaded guilty to receive a reduced jail sentence.

The trial came to an abrupt halt today when Justice Ramez Knawly deemed the Mandarin interpreter in the proceedings unqualified. The trial is expected to resume on Wednesday.

Defense lawyer Edward Prutschi joins our host Jacqui Delaney live to talk about whether the Crown is being fair in prosecuting Chen.

At Bytensky Prutschi Shikhman, we can provide a Toronto Criminal Lawyer  that will help you with your criminal case.