A Timmins reptile store owner is facing assault-related charges after police say he confronted and injured a man who had smashed the business’s storefront window. The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and the legal limits of self-defense. Police emphasized that pursuing suspects can escalate situations, urging individuals to prioritize safety over property protection. The owner, Robert Boucher, claimed he believed the vandal had taken his pet lizard and acted to recover it, despite the risks. Legal experts caution that while property owners can use reasonable force, using a machete in this context may not meet legal standards. Boucher, who operates a social media presence under 'reptile Rob,' has faced repeated break-ins, prompting him to sleep in shifts at his downtown business. Authorities noted that previous investigations into the store’s incidents lacked sufficient evidence, and they advised reporting crimes through official channels rather than direct confrontation. The case highlights tensions between personal safety, legal boundaries, and community security in small towns.