A 29-year-old Vernon man is in police custody after a violent home invasion Saturday at approximately 2:50 a.m. at a residence on Embleton Crescent in Courtenay.

A masked man kicked in the front door while the male and female residents were sleeping, Comox Valley RCMP said Monday afternoon in a news release. A physical altercation ensued between the masked male, who was armed with a handgun, and the male resident, while the woman called 911.

The male fled the residence and was tracked and apprehended by the RCMP police service dog a short time later.

The residents were shaken but uninjured, said Const. Tammy Douglas of the Comox Valley RCMP.

This was not a random act, this residence was targeted, she said, adding that the incident was drug-related and the file is still under investigation.

Michael Paul Grant was scheduled to appear in court Monday, facing 10 charges, including including breaking and entering, robbery, disguise with intent and using a firearm while committing an offence.