Stockert to undergo competency evaluation

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Press Photo by Ashley Martin Scott Stockert, left, listens during his hearing at the Stark County Courthouse in Dickinson on Tuesday afternoon.

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A judge is trying to find a local agency to perform an evaluation on a Dickinson man accused of pointing a gun at police to determine whether he is competent to represent himself in court.

Scott Stockert refused to cooperate Tuesday morning when a competency evaluation was scheduled in Jamestown, Tom Henning, Stark County state’s attorney said at a hearing Tuesday afternoon.

“The information that I have from the Stark County Sheriff’s Office is that Mr. Stockert was in fact transported to the state hospital (Tuesday) morning.” Henning said. “He apparently was not communicative with the staff.”

Stockert does not believe he needs the evaluation.

“I have a supreme right to not incriminate myself,” Stockert said.

Judge William Herauf said the evaluation would benefit Stockert, who then agreed to participate.

However, Stockert does not want the evaluation to take place at the state hospital in Jamestown.

“Because of prior contact, they may have a biased opinion,” Stockert said. “It should be someone that is neutral and no prior contact with me.”

Herauf said he would look into whether there was anybody locally who could perform a competency evaluation on Stockert. Henning said if an appropriate person could be located, he wouldn’t have an issue with a local evaluation.

Stockert was charged with reckless endangerment after he reportedly shut down a Dickinson block by threatening to shoot Dickinson Police officers in November.

At a January hearing, Sgt. Dave Wilkie said police responded to Stockert’s residence because of a domestic disturbance.

Wilkie and another officer entered the home and were met by Stockert, who allegedly pulled the slide back on a handgun to load it and pointed the weapon at Wilkie, he said. He allegedly threatened to shoot Wilkie and both officers backed out of the home, Wilkie said.

Stockert then allegedly put his arm out the door and again pointed the gun at officers, Wilkie said.

Stockert has filed several motions in regard to the charges.

“He’s filed for change of judge, he filed for change of venue, he’s filed to dismiss,” Henning said.

Some of the motions have been denied, but others have not been acted on, Henning said.

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