Updated: Tue Nov. 03 2009 6:07:44 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

Several charges were dropped Tuesday against a Toronto shopkeeper who was criminally charged after running-down and tying-up an alleged shoplifter.

However, David Chen says he will still fight to have the remaining charges dropped, since he was defending his livelihood when the incident took place.

Chen was charged by police after he chased down and tackled a man he says stole a tray of flowers from outside the Lucky Moose Food Mart in Toronto's Chinatown earlier this year.

The 35-year-old shop owner, with the help of two employees, chased the suspect, grabbed him and tied him up, placing him in a van until police arrived.

But Chen was surprised when police wrapped up their investigation by not only charging the alleged thief but also charging him with several offences.

Chen was charged with kidnapping, carrying a concealed weapon, assault and forcible confinement.

On Tuesday, the Crown dropped the kidnapping and weapons charge - a charge that Chen's lawyer called "ludicrous."

"We're glad it's been withdrawn, said defence lawyer Peter Lindsay outside the Toronto courtroom.

Chen, who showed up in court with dozens of supporters from the community, said he's happy but disappointed because he was hoping the Crown would withdraw all the charges against him.

He told reporters outside the courtroom that he has been too busy with lawyers and court dates to properly run a business.

"There's not enough time," he said.

Lindsay said he will argue that police were wrong to charge his client in the first place because Chen put the suspect under a valid citizen's arrest.

With a report from CTV Toronto's John Musselman