N.L. Crown drops attempted murder charges against man in standoff

<p>ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Five counts of attempted murder have been dropped against a Newfoundland man arrested following a lengthy police standoff at a home late last year.</p> <p>Leo Crockwell of Bay Bulls appeared briefly in St. John’s provincial court today as the Crown dropped eight of 16 charges he was facing.</p> <p>The Mounties were called to a home in Bay Bulls on Dec. 4 after a 55-year-old man who was believed to be armed refused to come out.</p> <p>Shots were allegedly fired from inside the home during the standoff.</p> <p>Crockwell fled undetected from the home on the night of Dec. 10 as police pumped water inside to flush him out.</p> <p>He was arrested the following day by the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in another community and has been in custody since.</p> <p>Defence lawyer Rosellen Sullivan says her client has waived a preliminary and will return to court on June 6.</p> <p>(VOCM)</p>