Father of suspect in Mountie shootings denied bail

The father of a suspect wanted in the shootingof two Mounties inSaskatchewan has been denied bail by a judgewho ruled his release would be a risk to public safety.

Arthur Dagenais, 69, appeared in provincial court in North Battleford on Friday.

His son, Curtis Dagenais, 41, is wanted by Saskatchewan police in connection with the shootinga week agoof the Mounties.

Judge Violet Meekma ruled that the elder Dagenais should not be released on bail because he has a history of animosity towards police. Arthur Dagenais remained in police custody on Friday.

Meekma told the court that Dagenais indicated to police that he would not return to his farm while police were searching for his son. The area was considered to be a restricted crime zone.But, she said,he then allegedly did so and was subsequently charged with obstruction of justice.

Dagenais displayed little emotion when Meekma announced her decision. His next court appearance is July 26.

Police in Saskatchewan are continuing their search for his son, but the search was scaled back on Thursday because police thinkCurtis Dagenaisis no longer in the area. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Police searched an area near Spiritwood, a town of 1,000 about 140 kilometres west of Prince Albert, for six full days before scaling back the search. The shooting occurred near Mildred, a small farming community about 10 kilometres east of Spiritwood.

Const. Robin Cameron, 29, and Const. Marc Bourdages, 26,were still in serious condition in intensive care in a Saskatoon hospital on Friday.