A Medicine Hat Police Service vehicle is seen at the incident on Jan. 8, 2022. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

Strict conditions, back in court June 28

Consent release approved for man who caused Crescent Heights standoff in January

Jun 14, 2022 | 11:36 AM

UPDATE August 9, 2024

A stay of proceedings was entered in the matter of Barry Reed on August 9, 2024.

A stay of proceedings allows for matters to be placed on hold for a period of up to one year.

It does not mean that charges are withdrawn.

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

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MEDICINE HAT, AB – The man accused of shooting at police during a standoff in January could be released from custody subject to strict conditions.

Barry Reed faces several firearms-related charges including assault with a weapon and reckless discharge of a firearm during the Jan. 8 event.

This morning in court a consent release for Reed was presented by counsel and approved by the presiding judge.

According to the conditions of the release, Reed must pay $2,000 cash, is to appear before the court when required and is prohibited from owning weapons.

Reed is currently in the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary due to health concerns and injuries.

Upon discharge from hospital, Reed must report within two days to the Prince Albert Community Corrections Services, and he must reside at a care home in that city. Any change of address must be approved prior by the officer in charge and he can only leave the residence for medical or dental emergencies or other exceptions approved beforehand by the officer in charge or the court.

The matter is scheduled to return to court on June 28.

Reed attempted to plead guilty at his first court appearance, saying he was concerned about the financial costs of the legal proceedings to his wife.

The request was denied and the matter was adjourned one week to give Reed time to speak with Legal Aid.

According to Medicine Hat Police Service, around 3 p.m. on Jan. 8, police responded to a home on Northlands Crescent NE for a report of a man with a 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. Reed repeatedly ignored commands that he was under arrest and at least once he pointed his gun at police.

Officers fired several less-lethal rounds, striking the man twice. They say 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.