Concern over mental state of accused in random attack

A lawyer representing a man accused of a violent attack in downtown Saskatoon told a judge she wants a psychiatric assessment for her client.

Justin James Crowe, 25, is charged with attempted murder and uttering threats for allegedly hauling Robert Carignan off of his motorized scooter and beating him Sunday morning near Spadina Crescent and 23rd Street.

Crowe behaved erratically in his first court appearance Monday, including referring to a prosecutor as “amigo” in one exchange and at another point saying he planned to “walk home to Winnipeg.”

On Wednesday, Crowe appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court by video link. Wearing a short-sleeved black shirt, he recited his name and date of birth when the judge asked him who he was, but otherwise remained quiet.

Crowe’s lawyer began by asking that Crowe see a psychiatrist to determine if he is fit to stand trial and if he has the capacity for criminal responsibility.

Court heard Crowe has spent time in the Saskatoon Correctional Centre medical unit since his arrest Sunday, where staff reported he exhibited bizarre behaviour.

His lawyer added she has had difficulty getting in to see Crowe to receive instructions, noting correctional centre staff said he was “in no state” to talk to her.

The judge said there would likely be a wait for the assessment, and raised a concern about holding Crowe in custody without a bail hearing.

Crowe’s lawyer said she wasn’t concerned about a bail hearing for her client, noting that between his matters in Saskatoon and outstanding charges out of Manitoba, he’d be unlikely to be released from custody ahead of a potential trial.

Crowe is due back in court on Friday.

Transfer to Manitoba possible for accused

Winnipeg police Cst. Rob Carver told 650 CKOM Wednesday Crowe could be transferred back to Manitoba to face charges there in another random attack.

In May 2016, police charged Crowe with assault in connection with the beating of a 63-year-old man at a bus stop.

While free on bail, Crowe failed to appear in court and a province-wide bench warrant was issued.

“In this case, since (the incidents are) both pretty similar and serious in nature, he’d probably have to be transferred,” Carver said.

To do that, the Manitoba warrant for Crowe would need to be issued in Saskatchewan.

According to Carver, Saskatoon police would execute the warrant here and then Crowe would be escorted back to Winnipeg with an officer from either Saskatoon or Winnipeg police, or a member of the RCMP.