The man facing charges in connection with a machete attack at a Vancouver gas station has been ordered to undergo a two-week psychiatric assessment.
Leslie Dale Chudek faces charges of aggravated assault, assault, uttering threats and dangerous vehicle operation in connection with a violent gas station attack on June 1.
He made his first court appearance before Judge Gregory Rideout on June 2 but appeared confused in court. He was ordered an overnight assessment, which he did not comply with, the court heard.
The two-week assessment was ordered during his second appearance on June 3 after lawyers and Rideout expressed concern about possible paranoia issues on Chudek's part.
When asked if he wished to see a doctor, Chudek replied, "yeah."
“I’m going to try and get you help,” Rideout said.
Police were called to a gas station at 3502 East Hastings St. in Vancouver around 6:30 a.m. on June 1.
The Vancouver Police Department said the incident started when a man used his car to ram a pedestrian on the gas station's property.
"He then got out of the car, and allegedly chased several people while holding a knife and a machete," the VPD said in a news release. "He reportedly punched a passerby, then turned his attention back to the pedestrian, stabbing him on the neck and back."
Much of the incident was caught on video.
Police arrived as the suspect allegedly tried to steal a motorbike parked near the gas station's exit.
The stabbing victim was taken to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The man who was punched was treated on scene.
Rideout said he would take the position of a case manager in the situation so as not to cause Chudek stress from appearing before different judges.
