REGINA – The man responsible for an arson rampage in Alida last year was back in Regina Provincial Court today.
This time, Colton Dean Erickson - appearing in custody by video - answered to a robbery and assault incident from earlier this year. Erickson was released April 19 on conditions at the time of the alleged offences, but had breached that order after a curfew check by RPS found he was not at the approved residence Erickson was supposed to be staying at.
Just before 5 a.m. on May 3, police responded to the 4200 block of Albert Street for the robbery and assault. The caller was a security guard, who had attended a business in the strip mall at that location to “remove an unwanted guest.”
Court heard that when the guard asked the man - later identified as Erickson - to leave, he began to kick and punch the guard. During the altercation, Erickson also allegedly took the guard’s cell phone and tried to take his keys.
“Information received was that a male physically assaulted another male, stole his belongings, and fled on a bicycle,” said RPS in a media release after the arrest was made back in May.
EMS was called to assess the victim, and the guard provided a description of the assailant to police. RPS members later found Erickson at a convenience store on Hill Avenue and made their arrest. In the course of their apprehension, police discovered Erickson had a knife in his possession, contrary to conditions of his probation order.
Erickson, 30, entered guilty pleas to the robbery and breach charges, with the Crown staying two other counts.
In a joint submission for sentencing, the Crown sought one year in custody for the robbery offence. Erickson has spent 62 days in custody already, and given credit for 93 days enhanced, that sentence results in 272 days going forward plus 12 months probation upon his release. As for the breaches, the joint resolution sought 30 days on each breach, to be served concurrent.
Judge M.T. Beaton agreed with the resolution, imposing conditions on the probation including a no-contact order with the victim, not attending the business where the robbery and assault occurred, and a lifetime weapons prohibition.
When Erickson is released from custody, the Crown’s intention is to have him once again supervised through the Serious Violent Offender Response program.
“They have not given up hope on Mr. Erickson yet,” noted Crown prosecutor Aly Sparks during her presentation of facts before the Court.
Legal Aid lawyer Connie Hottinger provided a background on Erickson’s early years, noting he had experienced a significant seizure at a young age and endured a vicious dog attack at three years old. She noted other struggles, such as finding adequate housing.
“Colton has complex needs that constantly need to be addressed,” Hottinger
Last year, Erickson had been arrested and charged on four counts of arson, two counts breach of probation, and one count assault. In the aftermath, five buildings had been destroyed - including the administrative office in Alida. Fire crews from Alida, Carnduff, Oxbow, Carlyle and Redvers all attended to the blazes, but could not save the buildings. Fortunately, there were no injuries as a result of the fires. One of the homes claimed by fire belonged to Erickson’s parents, prompting a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the loss.
At that time, Erickson’s mental health and drug use was brought to light, and probation conditions in his current matter include assessment and treatment for mental health and anger issues.
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