Man involved in police standoff elects jury trial

ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – A Newfoundland man who barricaded himself inside his family’s home for more than a week has elected to be tried by judge and jury.

Leo Crockwell’s case in provincial court was set over today until next Thursday, allowing him time to find a lawyer.

He faces 16 charges, including five counts of attempted murder following a week-long standoff in Bay Bulls, N.L., with the RCMP that ended Dec. 10 with his arrest.

Officers had initially responded to a complaint that he had threatened his sister with a firearm on Dec. 4.

But when police arrived, Crockwell refused to communicate or come out of the house.

Throughout the week, police say Crockwell fired shots, including some at officers.

He managed to slip out of the house undetected on Dec. 10 and walked 12.6 kilometres before asking a resident for a ride.

The RCMP were still outside the house when he was arrested in another town.