The man accused of getting into a shootout with a rural homeowner in the area was denied release from custody in order to attend treatment.
Austin Don Crevier, 22, of Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, is accused of shooting at a local property owner.
On Dec. 19, 2016, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Bonnyville RCMP were called to a break and enter in progress. Three individuals driving a stolen F250 broke into a rural property, when the homeowner confronted the suspects, who were attempting to steal his truck.
According to Crown prosecutor Tyler McLean, Crevier shot at the resident, who returned fire.
Crevier took off in the F250, leaving his co-accused Kelvin Cardinal and Amy Cardinal to flee on foot.
He abandoned the truck nearby after it broke down, and found a ride.
Police located and searched the vehicle, finding Crevier's DNA and fingerprints on items inside.
When questioned, Amy Cardinal and Kelvin Cardinal denied knowing the third suspect, but provided police with a description of his clothing and appearance.
In January 2017, Crevier was arrested on unrelated matters. The clothing he was wearing in footage from the incident was a match to the description the Cardinal's gave police.
He was identified as the third and final suspect of the break and enter the month before. On May 29, 2018 he was arrested by local law enforcement.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, Oct. 16, Crevier denied all involvement in the incident, claiming the police had circumstantial evidence.
The Crown referenced Crevier's criminal record, which shows two prior convictions of flight from police, and multiple other charges relating to property crime, weapons offences, and failing to comply with conditions.
"These are very serious allegations, there was a shootout on a rural property," stressed McLean, adding if he is convicted he will face significant jail time.
According to Crevier's defence counsel, Hart Spencer, Kelvin Cardinal passed away in November 2017, so the Crown would be relying on Amy Cardinal's description and statement for evidence.
Before the March 28, 2019 trial, Crevier asked to be released into a four-month residential treatment program in Edmonton, starting Oct. 24. He would have one or two days between his release and entering treatment in order to meet with his bail supervisor and complete a health assessment.
His plan was to return to custody once he had finished treatment. If he failed to complete the program, he would have to turn himself in to police.
Honourable Judge Michèle Collinson denied his release.
"I applaud you for recognizing you need treatment, but when looking at your record, what I see is a significant disregard for court orders and flight from police," she exclaimed. "The risk to the community is substantial if I were to release you."
Crevier will appear in court for his trial on March 28.
