Whitehorse sheriffs take to the streets to find jurors

Court sheriffs were on the streets of Whitehorse Tuesday evening rounding up potential jurors for a trial that was supposed to start that morning.

Chris Cornell, 31, is charged with a variety of firearms offences including attempted murder of a police officer in relation to a robbery and police chase near Haines Junction two years ago.

Fourteen jurors were chosen Monday. They were scheduled to begin hearing evidence Tuesday, when a female juror said her anxiety disorder would make it difficult to proceed. Lawyers agreed to send her home.

To find a replacement, court sheriffs went out on the streets in the evening to find 10 people who may qualify as jurors. They are expected to show up at court Wednesday morning to see if one is satisfactory to fill the vacant seat on the jury.

Although this type of juror summons is rare in Canada, it has happened before in Whitehorse. Last year sheriffs had to do the same thing twice to fill a jury for the murder trial of Christina Asp.