Man in Crescent Heights standoff tells court he wants to plead guilty

After one year, the Crown may no longer pursue prosecution.

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The man who shot at police during a standoff in Crescent Heights on Saturday says he knows he “did wrong” and appeared in court today seeking a quick resolution.

“I would like to plead guilty to all charges,” Barry Reed told the court.

The presiding judge told Reed that is his right but advised him to review disclosure from the Crown and speak with Legal Aid before entering any plea.

Prosecutor Conor Doyle agreed and said a guilty plea shouldn’t be lightly entered into.

“The offences he’s charged with trigger a five-year mandatory minimum prison penalty,” Doyle told the court.

Reed, who appeared by closed-circuit TV in provincial court, said he’s concerned about the costs.

“My point is for my wife, I don’t want to burn away what little money I go trying to fight this thing that is unfightable. I did wrong. I realize it.”

The matter was adjourned until Jan. 19 to give Reed time to speak with Legal Aid. The 67-year-old will stay in custody until then.

He faces several firearms-related charges including assault with a weapon, reckless discharge of a firearm and using a firearm in the commission of an offense.

Around 3 p.m. on Jan. 8, police responded to a home on Northlands Crescent NE for a report of a man with handgun who had been in a dispute with a woman inside the home.

Officers helped the woman get out of the home safely but over the next few hours observed the man inside the home with the gun.

He repeatedly ignored commands that he was under arrest and at one point pointed his gun at police.

Officers fired several less-lethal rounds, striking the man twice. He fired back at members of the tactical team hitting the armoured rescue vehicle.

The man tried to barricade himself inside the garage but police were able to take him safely into custody.

by Chris Brown

Man in Crescent Heights standoff tells court he wants to plead guilty

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