By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Trial fails to proceed as man accused in snowmobile chase parts with lawyer

Oct 29, 2018 | 12:31 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A breakdown in the solicitor-client relationship between a 34-year-old Blackie, Alberta man and his lawyer has prevented the accused’s trial from going ahead.

Tyrone Emblau had a one-day trial scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 29, however, the matter instead opened with defence lawyer James Rouleau explaining the change in the relationship to the court and withdrawing from the record.

When asked how he wanted to proceed, Emblau stated, “I do believe we still could have some kind of resolution today,” adding that he would like an opportunity to speak with Crown prosecutor Kristi Adams about the case. Adams said it would be more appropriate for Emblau to speak with duty counsel or another lawyer, who would then discuss it with her.

At that point, Emblau did note that he has spoken with a lawyer from Calgary, saying that individual believes they can resolve the matter quickly, telling the judge, “I think we’ll get a resolution on this before it has to go to trial.”

The case was then adjourned to Nov. 2, giving Emblau time to retain his new legal counsel.

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The charges stem from an incident on March 21, 2018. Around 5 a.m., a Vulcan RCMP officer responded to a report of a stolen snowmobile at a rural property near Champion. The officer located a truck and trailer hauling the snowmobile about an hour later and pulled the vehicle over. A physical altercation ensued when the officer attempted to arrest the lone male in the truck, during which police say the suspect managed to escape and that the officer was nearly run over as the truck fled the scene.

After getting the truck stuck in a snow-covered field, the suspect then used the stolen snowmobile and again continued to flee pursuing officers from multiple RCMP detachments.

With assistance from a Calgary Police Service helicopter and an RCMP canine unit, the man was tracked down after the snowmobile was found stuck in a stand of trees, about six kilometres from where the truck and trailer had been abandoned. It was noted that the man suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision with a tree.

Emblau was subsequently charged with a number of offences, including assaulting a police officer, flight from police, and dangerous driving.

He remains in custody, having been previously denied bail.

by Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

Trial fails to proceed as man accused in snowmobile chase parts with lawyer

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