ST. JOHN’S – Police have laid five charges of attempted murder against a Newfoundland man who fired gunshots at RCMP officers during an eight-day standoff that ended without injury Saturday.
Leo Crockwell, 55, appeared in court in St. John’s on Sunday morning to be formally charged with the five new counts, in addition to another 11 stemming from the incident at his home in Bay Bulls, N.L.
Crockwell was arrested Saturday in Petty Harbour, about 23 kilometres northeast of his home.
Police said their use of the water cannons to flood Crockwell’s home on Friday night affected their ability to monitor him, and as a result Crockwell managed to escape the home by an as yet unknown method. Police also say Crockwell abandoned his firearms before leaving the house.
In court Crockwell said he did not recognize the names of any of the five police officers he is now accused of having attempted to murder, as they were read out in court.
Crockwell was listening to the charges as they were read out, when the first officer’s name, Adam Perry, was mentioned. Asked by the judge if he understood the charge, he said he did not.
"I don’t know the person who you’re talking about," he said. "I never met anybody by that name."
On Saturday, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary received a tip from the public relating to Crockwell. The RNC assisted the RCMP in securing the area and arrested Crockwell without incident.
Police said Crockwell – who is accused of holding them at bay for more than a week – seemed to be in good health, but was being examined by paramedics.
RCMP have said Crockwell barricaded himself in the home after they received complaints he had threatened family members with violence and intended violence with firearms.
At one point this past week, the RCMP attempted to use a robot to deliver a message to Crockwell, but that effort failed after two quick gunshots rang out from the home.
Still, police said the standoff ended with no injuries to Crockwell, police or the public.
The RCMP created a “safe zone” around the house, emptying surrounding homes and posting officers at every roadway with access to the street in question. Police closed the nearby grocery store, post office and other businesses in the town.
In addition to the attempted murder charges, Crockwell faces four counts of discharging a firearm while being reckless as to the life or safety of another, a count of mischief that specifies he interfered with the lawful use of property in Bay Bulls, a count of uttering threats, assault, assault with a weapon, using a firearm in the commission of an assault, possession of a firearm without a licence and the use of a firearm in a careless manner.
Crockwell expressed his eagerness to see any documents related to his case, including a copy of the charges against him.
"I don’t have a criminal record. I don’t even have a parking ticket," he said. "This thing is trumped up, trumped up like you wouldn’t believe."
During the proceedings, the lawyer for the Crown requested the accused be called to submit to a psychiatric assessment.
The judge decided a psychiatric assessment would not be ordered now, but also noted the subject may be raised at any time as the case moves forward.
He is to appear in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing.
With files from Postmedia News
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