Trial off (for now) for man charged with shooting at Oglesby police

A Michigan man accused of shooting at Oglesby police late last year had his trial indefinitely postponed Tuesday.

Peter D. Bergsma, 36, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, is accused of shooting at Oglesby police Dec. 29. He was scheduled for a bench trial to begin Wednesday before Chief Judge H. Chris Ryan Jr.; but attorneys held a surprise hearing Tuesday and announced the trial is off for now.

Bergsma now is set for pre-trial conference on Dec. 21 but has no trial setting — a development that suggests the state and defense are in active negotiations.

Bergsma could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted of aggravated discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle. However, questions about his mental health have been raised at various points in his nearly year-old case.

Authorities previously disclosed Oglesby police officers approached a recreational vehicle parked at IVCC and knocked. Bergsma answered and, after speaking to the officers, ran toward a squad car before firing a semi-automatic pistol in the direction of two officers, neither of whom was hit.

Bergsma then got in the squad car and drove a few blocks away. He then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He was eventually taken into custody near the Shippingsport Bridge.