Crown reviewing case in Alberta farm shooting

OKOTOKS, Alta. A delay in getting a police report has the Crown assessing its next step for a man charged after shots were fired in a confrontation on his property in southern Alberta.

Edouard Maurice made a brief court appearance on Friday in Okotok where his case was put over to June 22.

Maurice, 33, was charged with aggravated assault and firearms offences after he allegedly confronted two people rummaging through his vehicles in February. Shots were fired and one of the suspects was later found with an arm injury and taken to hospital.

The other suspects are facing theft, trespassing and mischief charges.

“There is some delay in obtaining a report from the RCMP lab. I understand a request was made shortly after the incident for certain items seized ... (and) that request was processed at the beginning of May,” Crown prosecutor Jim Sawa told the court.

“I’m told it may take upwards of eight to 12 months for the report to be completed. The matter is being reviewed currently at my office.”

Maurice’s lawyer, Tonii Roulston, said until the ballistics report is received there can be no election and plea or setting of a trial date. She said eight to 12 months is just too long.

“Mr. Maurice has the right to an expedited trial in this matter,” Roulston said.