Actions

Mental competency doubted for man accused of shooting Waupaca Co. deputy

Posted at 5:14 PM, Sep 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-19 19:47:21-04

A man accused of shooting a Waupaca County deputy in early September must undergo mental competency evaluations before his case can proceed, the judge in the case decided Tuesday.

James Dax, 62, of Mukwa is accused of shooting at officers and injuring one during a standoff on September 9 after officers tried to serve a search warrant.

Dax appeared in Waupaca County court Tuesday for an adjourned initial appearance. A preliminary hearing was supposed to be set, but Dax's attorney said he wanted to apply for competency before moving forward with the case.

The case will be suspended for 30 days so health professionals can determine if Dax is mentally stable.

After reviewing court documents, the judge in the case said there is reason to doubt his competency.

Dax allegedly kept explosives like Molotov cocktails in his home and was "extremely paranoid," according to his wife.

He also told his wife that if anyone came for him, he would blow up their house, court documents said.

Improvised explosives and a gun were found at Dax's home, officers said.

He is currently being held on a $5 million cash bond.