A man whom Oliver police arrested in January for a weapon offence has been granted bail.
A 28-year-old Oliver man facing a weapons charge has been granted bail.
David McLaughlin was released from custody yesterday (Wednesday) after a court appearance in Penticton.
The charge of careless use of a firearm and possessing a firearm without a licence stemmed from an incident in Oliver on January 13. At approximately 1 am on Road 5, a resident reported a male had entered onto his property. The suspect had what appeared to be a rifle. When told to leave, the man complied.
RCMP from Penticton, Osoyoos and Oliver detachments attended the call and identified a 5th wheel trailer as being where the suspicious male had returned to.
For two and a half hours police attempted to get the male to exit the trailer, without success. Members were not able to identify the male who was observed pacing in the trailer. During the daylight hours members were able to identify the man as David McLaughlin, a previous resident of Osoyoos.
Police stated that McLaughlin suffered from a mental health issue as a result of a brain injury, and has a history of illicit drug use, the combination of which creates erratic, sometimes violent behaviour. But the accused clarified that he has brain damage, not a mental illness.
Sergeant Blaine Gervais of the Oliver RCMP said members placed themselves at great risk to get close enough to the trailer to attempt to negotiate with McLaughlin, who eventually agreed to exit the trailer. A loaded rifle was located in the trailer and seized for evidence.
The RCMP requested that McLaughlin undergo a psychiatric assessment and treatment prior to being considered for release.
McLaughlin was given a number of bail conditions, including a curfew between the hours of 10 pm and 6 am. He must also stay away from the person who felt threatened by him on January 13. In addition, he must not possess any weapons or consume alcohol or controlled substances.
McLaughlin is back in court next month.
