Pipe bomb suspects make first court appearance

Frank McTighe, LOCAL PRESS CONTRIBUTOR | Posted on April 12 2023 

Two suspects in recent pipe bomb explosions in Claresholm had their cases adjourned Wednesday until the end of May.

The accused made their first appearance in Fort Macleod court of justice Wednesday before Justice Paul Pharo.

Duty counsel lawyer Marshall Gourlay acted on behalf of both accused, requesting an adjournment to Wednesday, May 31 so both men could get disclosure from the Crown and seek legal counsel.

Prosecutor Nailah Decicieo said the Crown is proceeding by indictment with both accused.

The men are charged in connection with three pipe bomb incidents last month in Claresholm.

Claresholm RCMP were first dispatched March 6 to a complaint of a garbage receptacle that had been blown up in Amundsen Park around 2:10 a.m.

RCMP obtained video from a resident’s doorbell camera showing a taller male and a shorter person walking up to the receptacle and placing a pipe bomb inside.

They lit the fuse and watched the explosive destroy the garbage receptacle.

RCMP were later directed to a garbage bin at the Town of Claresholm compost site.

Town employees advised the garbage bin had been damaged by a pipe bomb explosion on March 4 around 6:30 a.m.

On March 25, RCMP were dispatched about 9:30 p.m. to a complaint of a loud bang from a garage in Claresholm.

A witness saw two people carry a person to a vehicle and then drive away.

A few minutes later, RCMP were called to Claresholm General Hospital where a man had been dropped off with serious injuries.

Officers then attended the location where the bang was reported and found two people inside a garage.

With assistance from the Southern Alberta district general investigation section and crime reduction unit, RCMP executed a search warrant at the residence on March 26.

Officers found various types of ammunition, pieces of pipe, fireworks, an explosive fuse, and ammunition that had been cut up to remove the gunpowder.

RCMP determined the two men were also responsible for the March 4 and March 6 pipe bombs.

Jaden Ross Vincent, 27, of Claresholm, who was located in the garage on the night of the explosion, is charged with two counts of using explosives with intent; two counts of mischief under $5,000; and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Michael John Wynia, 40, of Claresholm, who was injured in the garage explosion, has been charged with three counts each of making an explosive substance, mischief under $5,000, and causing an explosion.

Wynia is also charged with possession of break-in tools and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.