Standoff suspect released on bail

A 27-year-old man charged in connection to a standoff with Lethbridge police in February was released from custody following a lengthy bail hearing Wednesday in Lethbridge provincial court.

Brian Tarbet Fulljames was released on $1,500 no-cash bail and several conditions, including he keep the peace, live at a specific residence in Taber and not possess any weapons or have any contact with 19-year-old Forrest Jensen — except through legal counsel — who is also charged in connection with the standoff.

Fulljames, who appeared in court by closed-circuit TV from the Lethbridge Correctional Centre, is charged with two counts of uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm and one count each of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon and resisting arrest. Jensen, who was released from custody Feb. 16 on $100 surety and ordered to live with his sister on the westside, is charged with single counts of assaulting a peace officer with a weapon and resisting arrest.

The standoff with police began after an officer went to a home on Dalhousie Court West to arrest a man on outstanding warrants. As the suspect was being placed under arrest he began struggling with the officer.

The officer was forced to pull out his sidearm when another man in the house grabbed a knife and moved toward him. The younger man slid several knives across the floor to his friend who said he was going to get a gun and ran into another room.

Fearing for his life, the officer left the home and waited for backup.

Police cordoned off the neighbourhood, and the suspects finally left the residence four hours later and were taken into custody.