A man charged with uttering threats to police has been released from the Edmonton Remand Centre.
On Tuesday, Aug. 22, Honourable Judge Kathleen Williams approved the release of Donald Sydney Cooper, a 57-year-old Bonnyville-area man who has been charged with uttering threats, assault, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, mischief, impaired operation of a motor vehicle, resisting arrest, and two counts of breaching his conditions.
RCMP have expressed their concerns over Cooper’s mental health, following an incident earlier this month.
He had paid a visit to his addictions counsellor on July 10. Office staff believed Cooper was impaired and was planning on driving home, so they called the RCMP.
Shortly after leaving, Cooper had an altercation with a driver along 50 Ave., and once again police were notified.
According to the victim, Cooper had stopped his vehicle, gotten out, and reached into his window for his cellphone. They fought briefly before Cooper gave up and got back into his car, heading out of town on Hwy. 28.
Responding officers located Cooper at his rural residence. As they approached the property, they heard an engine revving before seeing a black Ford F150 hit a slight bank and rollover.
The officers had to break the windshield in order to get Cooper out of the vehicle. Police noted an odour of alcohol coming from Cooper, which coincided with his addictions counsellor’s earlier complaint.
During his arrest, Cooper was uncooperative and made threats towards officers.
He told one constable that he remembered his face and he had been added to his “hit list.”
Six officers responded because Cooper has a history of being uncooperative with police.
Cooper claimed he reacted poorly to the police presence, because he had been tazed by members the previous week.
After police placed Cooper in the back of the cruiser, he kicked and damaged the vehicle.
Officers were unable to take a sample of his breath at the detachment because Cooper was refusing to cooperate.
Crown prosecutor Jordan Kerr was opposed to Cooper’s release, and referenced his criminal record.
According to Kerr, Cooper has a two prior assaulting a peace officer convictions and has been charged with failing to comply with his conditions.
“Here he is again facing serious charges,” Kerr expressed.
Acting duty counsel Stephanie Oleksyn described an incident that led to a lifetime of addiction issues for Cooper.
In 1997, Cooper was run over by a semi-truck and has struggled with addictions ever since.
During his time at the Edmonton Remand Centre, he has been working with a counsellor and started methadone treatment.
He plans to continue that treatment once released.
Oleksyn said that under strict release conditions, Cooper is unlikely to reoffend.
Williams agreed to his release on the condition that he remain at his rural residence unless attending court, treatment, counselling, or getting the necessities of life.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 4.
