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Judge denies Hrynyk bail for public safety

Court-Report-4-702x506

BONNYVILLE - Reaching speeds of 200-kilometres per hour in order to evade police through the Town of Bonnyville was a clear "disregard for the safety of the public."

With his comments in mind, Honourable Judge Ivan Ladouceur denied Dustin Marshall Hrynyk release from the Edmonton Remand Centre during his bail hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 7 in the Bonnyville Provincial Courthouse. 

Ladouceur noted that it was for the safety of the pulic and Hrynyk's likelihood to reoffend that has kept him behind bars until his next court appearance on Jan. 21. 

The 27-year-old has been charged with two counts of flight from police, two counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, four counts of breaching his probation order, and assault with a weapon.

Crown prosecutor Terry Mazerolle described the alleged offence that took place Nov. 24, 2019. 

According to Mazerolle, that night, Bonnyville RCMP were called by Hrynyk's ex-girlfriend and a male companion to a property located outside of town. They told police they had been relaxing in the hot tub when Hrynyk walked onto the property and hit the male over the head with a wooden board. 

Officers located Hrynyk in a vehicle outside of 1 AM Liquor in Bonnyville. Using their patrol vehicles, police attempted to box Hrynyk in, however, the accused backed up his vehicle, nearly ramming a police cruiser, before taking off. 

RCMP began to pursue Hrynyk through town, but called off the chase for the safety of the public when he reached speeds of 170 to 200-kilometres per hour. 

Hrynyk was spotted later driving along 50 Ave. in town. Officers once again attempted to pull-over the accused, but he sped off. 

He was later found and arrested without further incident.  

At the time, Hrynyk was under conditions not to have contact with his former girlfriend, something Mazerolle pointed out to the court as a concerning factor and evidence that should he be released, it's likely Hrynyk would reoffend. 

Mazerolle noted, the nature of this offence would require Hynyk to be under "rigerous and strict" conditions and supervision that "couldn't be accomplished any other way than him remaining in custody." 

Mazerolle also stressed that releasing Hrynyk puts not only the public, but also Hrynyk's ex-girlfriend and anyone close to her in danger. 

Acting duty counsellor Hart Spencer suggested releasing Hrynyk to Edmonton-based sober living facility Harmony House could meet those requirements. 

Should Hrynyk be released into their care on a $2,000 no-cash bail, Spencer said Hynyk would be required to abide by the house rules, abstain for the consumption and possession of drugs and alcohol, have no contact with the victims of the asssault, and not attend within 15-kilometres of the Town of Bonnyville, unless attending court. 

According to Spencer, although there is no confirmation whether or not Hrynyk was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of this offence, the accused has admitted he suffers from addiction.

Ladouceur wasn't confident Hrynyk would abide by the conditions of his release, and felt the safety of the public would be put at risk should he be released. He denied Hrynyk, stressing the high rates of speed he exhibited while trying to flee RCMP on two separate occasions were dangerous.

Hrynyk's next court appearance is Jan. 21. 

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