Neighbours Shaken After Targeted Daytime Home Invasion in East Windsor

A typically quiet east Windsor neighbourhood was thrust into chaos on Thursday morning following a targeted daytime home invasion that left three people injured and led to the arrest of two suspects.

The Brazen Daytime Attack

The terrifying incident occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. at a residence on Cora Greenwood Drive, near Treverton Crescent in the area of Little River Boulevard between Banwell and Lesperance Roads.

According to Windsor Police, three individuals were inside the home at the time of the break-in. All three victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the altercation.

Neighbour Sawyer Dowhayko was at a nearby park with her children when the police arrived. “We saw the first police car pull up to the house in question... and we heard him say ‘police open up,’” she recalled. Dowhayko then witnessed three men, described as tall, thin, and wearing black and grey hoodies, fleeing the scene by jumping over a back fence and running down a nearby court.

Police Response and Arrests

Windsor police responded swiftly to the incident and later confirmed that two suspects had been taken into custody on Thursday. However, investigators are still actively searching for two additional suspects who were involved in the home invasion.

Authorities believe this was a targeted incident and have stated there is no ongoing threat to broader public safety.

Community Left on Edge

Despite police reassurances, the brazen nature of a daytime attack has left many in the community feeling unsettled.

“We've got little ones here. There's lots of little ones in the area," Dowhayko expressed. "When that many police cars show up and when the house is taped off, it's not a comfortable feeling to have in your neighbourhood.”

Hossain Syed, another neighbour, echoed these sentiments, noting that such violence is highly unusual for their community. “It’s a very quiet neighbourhood — a lot of children — a very safe neighbourhood,” he stated.

Police are urging residents in the area to review their home surveillance or doorbell camera footage for any suspicious activity between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the day of the incident. Anyone with relevant video or information is asked to contact the Windsor Police Service Major Crimes Unit or Windsor and Essex County Crime Stoppers.

Daytime Security Reminders

While this was a targeted incident, daytime break-ins are a reality. Consider these tips to keep your home secure during the day:

• Keep Doors Locked: The simplest deterrent is often the most effective. Keep your front, back, and side doors locked at all times, even when you are home or just running a quick errand.
• Be Wary of Strangers: If someone knocks on your door unexpectedly, speak through a locked door or window. Do not open the door if you do not recognize the person or feel uncomfortable.
• Use Window Security Film: Apply security film to ground-level windows and glass doors. This makes the glass highly resistant to shattering, slowing down an intruder and creating noise.
• Communicate with Neighbours: Build a strong relationship with your neighbours. A tight-knit community is more likely to notice and report suspicious vehicles or individuals lingering in the area.