SUDBURY -- Two homeless men are facing charges following an attempted theft on Manitoulin Island that resulted in an assault on a citizen who tried to intervene.

The incident took place in Mindemoya on July 13 around 7:30 p.m. The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police responded to a theft in progress from a business on Yonge Street.

"Investigation revealed that one of the individuals assaulted a citizen who was attempting to stop the theft," police said in a news release.

Two homeless men – one age 39 and the other 52 -- are charged with shoplifting under $5,000. The 52-year-old is also charged with assault.

The accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Gore Bay on Sept. 16.

"The Manitoulin OPP would like to thank the Mindemoya Neighbourhood Watch for their assistance," police said.