The man accused of seriously injuring two RCMP officers in a shooting over the weekend in Melville, Sask., made his first appearance in Yorkton Provincial Court on Tuesday. Fifty-five-year-old Markus Dodge, sporting a long white beard and moustache, appeared in court by video. When asked by Judge Lynn Hintz whether he wanted the charges read to him, Dodge refused, telling the court he has a “photographic memory.” The charges were read out regardless. On Sunday, June 21, at around 9 p.m., an altercation broke out between Dodge and his neighbour. During the incident, Dodge allegedly threatened the man with a piece of plywood and uttered threats to end his life. RCMP were called to the scene. In connection with this altercation, Dodge is charged with uttering threats and assault with a weapon. According to the charges read in court Tuesday, after RCMP arrived at the scene, Dodge allegedly fired a shotgun at officers. He did not have a license for the firearm. Two RCMP officers were injured. The two constables remain in hospital with serious gunshot wounds. Dodge is charged with attempted murder in relation to the shooting. He also faces charges of aggravated assault for allegedly maiming the two officers. Additional charges include discharging a firearm with intent and pointing a firearm. Dodge did not have a lawyer on Tuesday and used crude language when speaking with his legal aid. He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in Yorkton Provincial Court on Thursday at 10 a.m.
