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Youth shot by police enters guilty pleas

Dec 13, 2016 | 2:48 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A 17-year old who was shot by police after an incident at a west side grocery store last year, has entered guilty pleas and avoided going to trial.

Around 6:20-pm on October 9, 2015, Lethbridge Police say a male approached a woman shopping at Safeway and sexually assaulted her. When store security found him he was armed with a large knife that had been taken from the butcher’s counter and was acting irrationally, swinging the knife around.

The male fled the store but was located by police along the 300 block of Red Crow Boulevard West, still carrying the knife, and during a confrontation an officer discharged his service pistol.

He was taken to hospital and treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.

The matter had been set for a three day trial, beginning Tuesday (Dec. 13), however, it was called forward to November 30, at which time the youth – who can’t be named – entered guilty pleas to charges of assault and possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.

A pre-sentence report, which will examine the offenders personal history and willingness to change, has been ordered for the youth.

Sentencing has been set for April 19, 2017.