Psychiatric assessment may be requested for Lowe

The lawyer for a man accused of throwing a package into the police station last week has been granted another court adjournment while he reviews disclosure with his client.

The matter for Kyle Glen Lowe was in Lethbridge provincial court Wednesday, but simply adjourned to Feb. 5. Lethbridge lawyer Wade Hlady said that, in addition to needing more time to review disclosure, he may request his client undergo a psychiatric assessment.

Such assessments are generally conducted at the Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Centre in Calgary. A 30-day adjournment is normally granted for the assessments, but extensions are often necessary.

The accused was remanded following his first court hearing last Friday, and his matter was adjourned again Monday when he was unable to appear in court because he was in a “dry cell” after showing symptoms of COVID-19.

A portion of the police station was evacuated after a 29-year-old man threw a package into the front entrance about 10:15 a.m. last Thursday.

Police deployed a remote-controlled unit, which picked up a cardboard box and carried it outside.

Police said the box, which appeared to be covered in messages written with black marker, did not contain explosive or hazardous material, and the police station was re-opened later the same day. Police apprehended a suspect a short time later, who they also believe set a fire in a planter outside the police station about 6 a.m. Wednesday. Lowe is charged with arson, mischief, four counts of failure to comply with release conditions, and intimidation of justice.

The Crown has elected to proceed by indictment, which allows for a maximum term of imprisonment of 14 years for arson and intimidation. The Crown is also opposed to Lowe’s release from custody and intends to apply to revoke Lowe’s bail granted previously on other charges.

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