WESTLOCK – A one-day trial has been set for Rick Atzler, the 31-year-old man who was the subject of an RCMP manhunt last fall.
Atzler faces numerous charges, including pointing a firearm, threats to cause death or bodily harm, assault, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in a vehicle, assault causing bodily harm, possession of a firearm while knowing it was unauthorized, and criminal harassment. The Crown is proceeding by indictment on these charges. In addition, Atzler is charged with failing to comply with release conditions.
According to Westlock RCMP, the charges stem from an incident on Sept. 9, 2024, when Atzler allegedly pointed a firearm at an individual and threatened to kill them. He fled the scene prior to the officers arriving at the rural Westlock County home.
A month later, on Oct. 3, Atzler was arrested in the nearby community of Opal, approximately 60 kilometres from Westlock. Westlock RCMP, with assistance from Redwater RCMP and K Division Police Dog Services, apprehended him without incident.
Atzler is also facing additional charges in a separate incident, which include careless use of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm. These charges will be dealt with separately in court on Jan. 22, and the Crown is proceeding summarily on them.
Atzler had been released on bail in October in St. Albert Court of Justice following his arrest.
