RCMP shooting suspect not present for court date

The man accused of attempting to murder two Mounties did not attend hisfirst court date Tuesday.

Sawyer Robisonis charged in the attempted murder of two RCMP officers at a rural home near Killam, Alta., on Feb. 7.

Const. Sheldon Shah and Const. Sidney Gaudette were shot while they were executing a search warrant at the home of Robison's uncle, Brad Clarke,for a handgun owned by Robison.

Clarke was found deadin the house after the shootout.

Robison, 27,is being held at the Edmonton Remand Centre and was not required to appear at the hearing.

The Crown told the court it needsup to sixweeks to gather more evidenceand expects more charges to be laid.

Police are still searching an area south-east of Killam for a rifle they believe Robison had in his possession. The Crown has saidmore charges could be pending.

Curious local residents made their way to court Tuesday, including Ryan Brady.

"It's a small community, I mean it's hard to see something like this happen," Brady said. "It impacts everyone."

Neither Robison nor his lawyer appeared in court. But an agent acting on their behalf indicated that Robison would prefer to be tried by judge and jury.

The case has been put over until April 3 when bail will be addressed.

The judgehas ordered Robison to appear at that time.