ESTEVAN — A man who is facing 10 charges in connection with an incident that occurred in Estevan in April 2024 had his matters heard in court on Feb. 2.
William Joshua Curtis appeared by video in Estevan Provincial Court. He was previously declared unfit to stand trial and remanded to the Saskatchewan Hospital, a psychiatric facility in North Battleford. At that time, it was noted a review of his case would have to take place within the next two years.
During Curtis' latest Feb. 2 appearance, Judge Mitch Miller said he received a report that says Curtis is fit to stand trial. Aleida Oberholzer, who had been representing Curtis in previous court appearances, said she also has the information and wanted to set a date for a fitness hearing. The provincial Crown also said it wants a fitness hearing for Curtis.
The inquiry has been scheduled for March 27.
Curtis has been charged with one count each of attempted murder by discharging a firearm; pointing a firearm; discharging a firearm; aggravated assault; possession of a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence; uttering threats; manufacturing ammunition while unauthorized; and possession of a firearm while prohibited. He is also charged with two counts of manufacturing a firearm while unauthorized.
Curtis remains in custody at the Saskatchewan Hospital.
Background: According to the Estevan Police Service, members received a report April 8, 2024, that an individual had been shot in the 1600-block of Third Street and an armed male suspect had fled the scene. Residents in the neighbourhood were asked to shelter in place within their basements.
An immediate response included the deployment of EPS patrol members, the Joint Tactical Support Team (JTST) of the Estevan and Weyburn Police Services, Estevan RCMP detachment officers, RCMP International Border Enforcement Team members, the Regina Police Service Air Unit, and members of Estevan Fire Rescue Service and Estevan Emergency Medical Services. The EPS reported up to 40 officers were deployed in Estevan at various stages of the response. Several drones were also used.
While containing the scene and searching for Curtis, the EPS said they determined he had barricaded himself in a residence in the 1700-block of Third Street, where he refused to communicate or comply with direction from members to surrender.
An RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) unit was subsequently deployed to the scene. Police said a tactical armoured vehicle and a chemical agent were used to successfully arrest Curtis.
SaskToday will continue to monitor this case.
