Three co-accused in Coleman home invasion released from custody
Three of four men facing charges in an alleged home invasion in Crowsnest Pass in mid September were granted bail last Thursday after a hearing in Pincher Creek.
Garret Ouellette and brothers Tyler Trodden and Robert Dwyer have each been released on $2,500 promise-to-pay sureties.
Aaron Thompson, the fourth man charged in the incident, was released from custody Sept. 26.
The men are accused of breaking into a home in Coleman on Sept. 16 and assaulting three individuals. Charges include aggravated assault, threats of causing death or bodily harm and pointing a firearm. A robbery charge was added after the reported thefts of several electronic items from the home.
In making their submissions, lawyers for each of the three argued that their clients had strong connections to Pincher Creek and equally strong family support, and were not likely to flee. The presiding judge agreed.
“Nobody’s absconding. That’s not happening in this incident,” said Justice J.N. LeGrandeur in his closing remarks. “I don’t believe they [the accused] are likely to harm someone, based on the scrutiny they’ll be under.”
LeGrandeur stated he wasn’t passing judgment, but felt the three men in custody could have potentially been buoyed by the actions of the others and would never have done it, individually, on their own.
Admitting there is always some risk in releasing someone from custody, he said there was no indication of any substantial risk to the complainants or witnesses in this case.
None have been found guilty of the charges brought forward.
Ouellette, Trodden and Dwyer have been released with a number of strict conditions.
There is to be no contact between the four men. An exception is in place for Trodden and Dwyer for functions like family dinners. The brothers, however, are not allowed to talk about the case at any time while together.
Trodden, whose home and family are in Champion, must stay in Pincher Creek during the week but is allowed to travel back for prescribed hours on the weekend. His family, however, is able to visit him in Pincher Creek at any time.
The four are also not allowed to have any contact with anyone in the case, including witnesses, at their home or workplace.
Other than for work, they’re to stay out of Coleman entirely. They can’t be in possession of a firearm, other form of ammunition, explosive device or knife, other than for work or cooking.
LeGrandeur also imposed an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew unless required for work.
The men must completely refrain from consumption of alcohol or drugs, except for medicinal purposes.
The case is set to return to the court of justice in Pincher Creek on Dec. 7.
