The man facing charges in connection with a machete attack at a Vancouver gas station will plead not guilty, Vancouver provincial court heard Aug. 23.
Leslie Dale Chudek, 61, faces charges of aggravated assault, assault, uttering threats and dangerous vehicle operation.
He has elected to have his trial before a provincial court judge, defence lawyer Christopher Funt told Judge John Milne.
Crown prosecutor Karen Haughton said June reports from doctors indicated Chudek determined he's mentally fit to stand trial.
The lawyers estimated the trial could take five days.
Chudek has consented to remain in custody.
The case was adjourned to Sept. 8 for confirmation of pre-trial conference dates as well as a bail review.
The incident happened around 6:30 a.m. June 1 at a gas station at 3502 East Hastings St.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) 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 hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. The man who was punched was treated on scene.
