Ian Bush's family 'very grateful' Ernest Côté wasn't hurt
WWII veteran Ernest Côté, 101, tied up and robbed in Ottawa home invasion
The brother of a man facing attempted murder and robbery charges after a home invasion last week says the family is "shocked" by the charges and "very grateful" the victim wasn't hurt.
Ernest Côté, a veteran of the Second World War, was tied up and robbed inside his apartment building in New Edinburgh last Thursday.
Ian Bush, 59, was arrested on Friday after police released surveillance video footage of the suspect following the incident.
In addition to attempted murder and robbery with violence, the charges against Bush include forcible confinement, breaking and entering, and two counts of using a credit card obtained by crime.
Bush works as a management consultant and has no criminal record, according to court documents. He has three children and a grandchild.
'Whole family is in shock ... and disbelief,' brother says
Speaking outside of the Ottawa courthouse on Monday morning, Ian Bush's brother, Norm Bush, said Ian's arrest was a big shock to his family.
Norm Bush said their parents are both veterans, and that they grew up in a military family.
"We haven't had the opportunity to talk to Ian to hear his side of the story, and we're going to have to let the legal process do what it does and follow its course over the next number of days."
Norm Bush also said the family's thoughts are with victim, Second World War veteran Ernest Côté, and that they're "very grateful" he wasn't hurt.
"We know it's been a very difficult situation for them," Norm Bush said. "We are very grateful that we heard through the media that Mr. Côté was not seriously injured and appears to be doing well. We're very grateful for that, and we wish him and his family all the best, especially at this time of year."
Norm Bush said Ian volunteered for years in minor baseball and that Ian was a soccer coach before then.
"Ian has always been a friendly, nice guy and good family member known for his volunteer work. That's the way we know Ian," Norm Bush said.
Next appearance set for Christmas Eve
Ian Bush's wife and three children also showed up to Ian's Monday court appearance.
He appeared briefly via video link.
The Crown did not consent to his release and the matter was put off to Wednesday — Christmas Eve — in mental health court, where he's expected to meet with a doctor.
Bush's defence lawyer, Geraldine Castle-Trudel, told Ian Bush to call his family collect from jail and that they'd be waiting for his call.