Downtown Eastside home invasion leads to charges

TWO men have been charged after a 60-year-old man was violently robbed inside his Downtown Eastside rooming house earlier this month.

The two suspects forced entry into the victim’s suite near East Hastings and Gore on July 5. They violently beat him and stole his various possessions. The victim was taken to hospital for his injuries.

VPD patrol officers and detectives from VPD’s Major Crime Section launched an investigation immediately.

Steven Flett, 37, and Dustin Gastl, 40, have each been charged with break-and-enter, robbery, unlawful confinement, assault causing bodily harm, and possession of a weapon.

Flett and Gastl remain in custody until their next court appearance.