Gunman Who Stormed Canadian Work Comp Board And Held Hostages To Be Sentenced. Victim Impact Statements Read Aloud In Court.
By Lonce LaMon - November 18, 2011
A little over two years ago, an angry claimant in Edmonton, Canada, walked into the Workers’ Compensation Board there armed with a rifle, fired a shot over the head of the security guard, and then corralled 9 people into a conference room and held them hostage for 10 hours.
Patrick Clayton had an ongoing dispute with the Workers’ Compensation Board over his work comp claim. Then on October 21st 2009, he barged into the building armed and angry.
Slowly, one by one, he eventually released his captives.
Clayton was expected to testify at his sentencing hearing yesterday, November 17th. He reportedly wiped tears from his eyes as several victim impact statement letters were read aloud in court.
A wellness assistant wrote in her victim impact statement that she is still nervous to go to work. The security guard wrote about how he still hears the gun blast that went over his head that terrifying day. He expressed that he is still always on edge when people walk through the front doors carrying any bag or even a bulky jacket. The memory of the sound wakes him up at night. He has sought counseling and can’t watch crime shows on TV.
A building maintenance worker stated he had to take a month off from his job. Patrick Clayton had jabbed him in the chest with the muzzle of the rifle.
The Workers’ Compensation Board in Edmonton installed new security desks and an emergency lockdown system after the incident. It also added a bulletproof doorway to the lobby of its health centre.
Prosecutor Lisa Tchir stated she is seeking a significant prison term. Clayton faces the maximum sentence for hostage-taking and a maximum sentence of 14 years each on two weapons charges.
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