A man was stabbed outside this house while trying to tackle two robbers. (Bryan Labby/CBC)

Charges have been laid in the case of a northeast Calgary homeowner who was stabbed while trying to tackle two thieves.

The homeowner, described by neighbours as an ex-rugby player and a "pretty big guy," remains in hospital with a serious stab wound to his shoulder.

Randy Cardell, a machinist with Calgary Transit, had returned to his Pinewind Close N.E. home at about 9:15 p.m. Wednesday and was in his backyard when he saw two strangers in the house.

"He saw them through the window in the back of the residence, and they saw him at about the same time, so they made their way to the front of the residence. He ran around the side of the house and met them as they [were] coming out the front door," said Staff Sgt. Keith Cain.

'Understandably, this is his castle, and he has a right to protect his property, but we would ask that you not get involved.'—Staff Sgt. Keith Cain

Cardell tackled the pair as they came outside. During the struggle, the homeowner was stabbed once in the upper torso with a knife, likely taken from his own kitchen, police said.

"The victim is quite a large gentlemen, quite a strong gentleman, but he was stabbed," said Cain.

A short time later, police arrested one man who was trying to hail a taxi. The 21-year-old has been charged with break and enter to commit robbery, aggravated assault, and assault with a weapon.

Police said they don't believe the homeowner knew the robbers.

"We believe it was a random occurrence," said Cain. "This residence was not targeted as far as we know. One of the persons who was arrested had some currency that … we believe was taken from the residence. We're not sure why they selected that house or what exactly they were looking for."

Neighbours would have helped out

Cain doesn't recommend others homeowners do anything similar.

"Understandably, this is his castle, and he has a right to protect his property, but we would ask that you not get involved," said Cain. "Be a good witness, call the police. Certainly you are risking your own personal safety if you get involved."

Still, neighbours such as Randy Clarke told CBC News they regret they weren't around to help out.

"The police have enough on their hands with all the crime that goes on, and I know they say call the police, don't get involved, but I think the problem with young people today that are committing the crimes is that they are getting away with it," said Clarke.

Police are still looking for a second man, described as between 20 and 25 years old with a "medium skin tone" and short hair who is up to six feet tall. At the time of the offence, the man was wearing jeans and a red-and-blue coloured lumberjack-style jacket.