October 28, 1999
SHOT MAN MUST BE ASSESSED BY DOCTOR
John Schmied
Peel Bureau
BRAMPTON- A man shot by police in a confrontation outside the home of his estranged wife has been ordered to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment.
A limping but appearing otherwise healthy Brian Drepaul, 25, appeared briefly in court yesterday and was ordered by judge McLoud to be examined by a psychiatrist before his next court appearance.
Drepaul was shot once in the leg by a Peel Police regional officer one of 6 who responded to 911 calls at 11:40 pm Monday to the home of his estranged wife on Abell Drive in the Kennedy road- Williams parkways area.
The call was placed from the home after a man was seen trying to force his way in.
Witness told the Toronto sun the man held a knife when police arrived and refused orders to put it down and advancing on them at one point.
Witness also said that the officers also shot the man from across the street and the wounded man then started kicking and punching a tree before being subdued.
An acquaintance alleged Drepaul is a diagnosed Schizophrenic who is not taking his prescribed medication.
“This is another tragic situation where police come in contact with a person who is mentally unstable” his lawyer Gary Batasar said.
Drepaul who is charged with assault with a weapon and possession of weapons dangerous to the public peace is scheduled to appear December, 22.