Judge rejects bail application from man who allegedly tried to kill RCMP officers

A judge has rejected a bail application by a man who allegedly tried to kill 15 Mounties during a standoff near Fredericton in April.

Judge Lyne Raymond heard arguments Thursday about whether to grant bail to Michael Christopher Sabattis, who's facing 34 criminal charges — 15 of which are for attempted murder.

Duty counsel Gerald Pugh represented Sabattis, while Crown prosecutor Matt Oram argued against the request.

"I find that ... you do constitute a threat to the safety of the public," Raymond said after hearing from both sides.

CBC News cannot reveal the evidence presented Thursday due to a publication ban.

Sabattis appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre, where he'll remain until his jury trial scheduled for May 2027.

Sabattis has been in custody since April 15, when he was arrested following a standoff in Bilijk First Nation, also known as Kingsclear First Nation.

RCMP said they went to an address on Tomahawk Avenue at 12:35 p.m. in response to a reported assault.

On arrival, the officers found a man outside who threatened police before barricading himself inside the house with a weapon.

The news release said "a short time later" he began firing dozens of gunshots at police through the windows of the home.

Police said a member of the RCMP emergency response team was struck in the head by a bullet but did not suffer serious injuries as they were protected by a ballistics helmet.

Seven RCMP vehicles were also struck and sustained damage.

Police said the shooter refused to surrender, prompting the use of tear gas.

A man and woman exited the home and were both arrested, though the woman was later released, police said.

Sabattis originally faced five charges in relation to the incident, but that was later upgraded to a 34-count indictment, including 15 charges of attempting to murder RCMP officers, and another 15 alleging he discharged a firearm with intent to wound, maim or disfigure those same officers.

Sabattis is also charged with two counts of uttering threats to police, assaulting Tammy Sabattis, and committing aggravated assault against Brian Sabattis, all on the same day.

His 20-day jury trial is scheduled to begin May 3, 2027.