Judge orders assessment of suspect in Whitecourt shooting
WHITECOURT — One of two suspects in the shooting of an Alberta sheriff is to undergo a mental health review to see if he is fit to stand trial.
A judge granted the assessment after a brief court appearance in Whitecourt by an agent for Jake MacIntyre’s lawyer.
Clayton Ness, the second man accused in the shooting, reserved his plea, also through an agent.
Both men appeared via closed-circuit television from the Edmonton Remand Centre.
They have been in custody there since the sheriff was shot in the hand during a scuffle at the Whitecourt courthouse Feb. 26.
Their next court appearance is set for April 9.
Witnesses said at the time of the shooting that the sheriff was one of two guards transporting two prisoners who were in custody following a drug bust.
The prisoners were spotted fleeing in a transport van, but were arrested within the hour at a rural home near Whitecourt.
Ness, 29, and MacIntyre, 22, both of Whitecourt, face aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, escape from lawful custody and other charges.
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