Lethbridge Courthouse -- LNN

By Connor Gunn

Trial starts for Lethbridge man charged with assault, kidnapping

May 10, 2021 | 12:11 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– A trial has begun for Cory Ray Williams, 41, of Lethbridge, in relation to more than 20 offences dating back to 2019 including:

• kidnapping
• possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• assault with a weapon
• flight from police
• dangerous driving
• uttering threats, robbery
• attempted kidnapping
• housebreaking
• attempted robbery
• theft of a motor vehicle

Williams pleaded not guilty to the charges on February 6, following a bail hearing where the judge refused to release him from custody.

The judge-alone trial started Monday and is expected to last one week.

According to police, Williams is connected with a report of an assault at a home in the 2100 block of 5 Ave. N. on Oct. 20, where a 41-year-old man said he was attacked with a machete.

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Previous story: Cory Ray Williams charged with 11 offences relating to recent series of violent crimes

That same night, a 55-year-old man parked in the MacDonald’s parking lot along the 400 block of Mayor Magrath Drive North was allegedly carjacked and kidnapped by a man with a machete. The victim was forced to drive to several locations, including a bank, and then to the Blood Reserve where he was let out of the vehicle and left by the side of a road.

On Oct. 22 just after 6 p.m., another carjacking occurred in the 200 block of 27 St. S. In that case, a 61-year-old man was in his vehicle when a man with a sword got into his passenger seat and threatened him. The victim was able to disarm the man; however, another weapon was brandished as the suspect jumped out of the vehicle, found a bike, and rode away.

Then, just before 7:30-am on Oct. 23, Lethbridge Police descended on the Westminster and Wilson Middle School area, after a woman told police she had walked a family member to a bus stop and while walking, a man grabbed her, threw her to the ground and demanded her cell phone. The woman was able to flee with minor injuries.

The same suspect description was given in all the incidents and the suspect was located later in the day on Oct. 23, at a northside home. Police say a search warrant was obtained and executed and evidence recovered, including keys to a van stolen in Fort Macleod.

Previous story: Man charged in connection with Lethbridge carjackings makes brief court appearance

LNN will provide updates as the trial continues throughout the week.