ESTEVAN - An Alameda man has pleaded guilty to six charges in connection with an incident involving the Carnduff RCMP that occurred in the town last December.
Theodore Allan Brycks, 67, pleaded guilty to Monday morning in Estevan Provincial Court. He was then sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison. A large crowd, including members of the Carnduff RCMP, gathered in the court room for the proceedings.
Brycks pleaded guilty to one count for:
- Possession of a restricted or prohibited firearm;
- Possession of a weapon contrary to an order;
- Use of a firearm while commissioning an offence;
- Resisting arrest.
- Uttering threats; and
- Failing to comply with a probation order.
The 5 1/2-year sentence was a joint submission from the prosecution and the defence. Brycks’ total sentence is 2,008 days. He has spent 195 days in custody on remand since the incident on Dec. 7, and was credited 292 days from his sentence. He will spend the next 1,716 days in prison.
It was noted that the Carnduff RCMP was called to Brycks' home last December because Brycks violated the terms of his probation by contacting Bell Media and a CTV News personality. He was on probation in July 2021 as a result of convictions of harassment against the broadcaster, after he sent a large number of emails on or around Sept. 1, 2020.
He sent additional emails on Dec. 6, 2022.
Two officers went to Brycks' home on Dec. 7 of last year, and when they arrived, they told Brycks he was under arrest for violating his probation. Brycks said he was not and walked into the house. The officers followed him.
In a low-lit area, Brycks grabbed an object from a cabinet. The officers recognized the object as a firearm and took action, opening fire. There is no evidence that Brycks fired any ammunition. Nobody was physically injured in the exchange.
The two officers provided victim-impact statements, explaining how the incident affected their ability to do their jobs and the consequences of the incident on their personal lives.
Family members of the officers also provided statements.
It was noted that Brycks has suffered from mental health issues and he has expressed remorse over the incident. He has resided in Alameda since 2008.
In accepting the joint submission, Judge Michelle Brass said she could see the ‘profound’ impact that the incident had on the officers and their families.
“To be faced with a loaded weapon is quite a terrifying experience which has led to lasting impacts,” said Brass.
Brycks was initially charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident. Those charges were withdrawn earlier this year, and replaced with 11 new charges. The second set of charges was withdrawn and replaced with the six new offences.
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