VANCOUVER, Wash. – The man accused of ambushing four SWAT officers last week and wounding one of them needs a mental health evaluation, his attorney said Wednesday.
Matthew Ryan Hastings, 28, faces first-degree attempted murder charges in the wounding of Vancouver police Cpl. Chris LeBlanc when LeBlanc and three other officers entered a rental house in Vancouver on July 18.
The officers entered the house because they believed Hastings had shot a hostage. A 20-hour standoff followed the shooting.
“I have concerns about his competency to assist in his defense,” attorney Chuck Buckley told Superior Court Judge John Wulle.
If the evaluation is ordered, Hastings would have a minimum 15-day stay at Western State Hospital in Steilacoom, Buckley said after the hearing. Hastings will be held in the Clark County Jail until there is an open bed at the mental hospital.
Wulle, presiding over Hastings’ arraignment, told attorneys to prepare the necessary paperwork. The judge also increased Hastings’ bail from $500,000 to $1 million.
Hastings is being held on four charges of first-degree attempted murder and a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.
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