GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - A competency exam has been ordered for a Wyoming man accused of killing his girlfriend and leading police on a chase that ended when he was run down on a busy Grand Rapids freeway after opening fire at pursuing officers.
Adam K. Nolin appeared in Wyoming District Court Wednesday for a probable cause conference on five felony charges stemming from the Sept. 27 chase. Additional charges were added Wednesday for the shooting death of his girlfriend, Tia Mae Randall, at a home they shared at Creekside Estates mobile home park.
Defense attorney Charles Clapp requested a forensic evaluation "to see if he can assist me with this case and his state of mind.''
Wyoming District Court Judge Pablo Cortes approved the request, which he explained to Nolin.
“Your attorney is indicating, that what he would like to do, rather than have the hearing today, refer you out for a psychiatric examination to make sure that you are competent enough to assist,'' the judge told Nolin, who appeared in court with his arm in a cast.
Nolin twice discussed his injuries with the judge.
“Were you present when the officer struck me in the face and broke my arm?'' he asked Cortes.
Before leaving the courtroom, Nolin returned to the subject. "Your attorney will talk to you about all those issues,'' the judge responded.
Nolin nearly two weeks ago was arraigned in a Grand Rapids hospital on five charges, including attempted murder, for shooting at Wyoming police officers who tried to stop his vehicle after Randall's body was discovered.
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker on Wednesday added two new charges: open murder and felony use of a firearm.
The charges allege that Nolin used a pistol to kill Randall at 637 Spruce Lane SW in Wyoming the morning of Sept. 27.
After her body was discovered, Nolin led police on a chase into downtown Grand Rapids. The pursuit ended when Nolin crashed his vehicle into the median of the S-curve on U.S. 131.
Police say he ran from the vehicle while firing a handgun at officers. Nolin was struck by a police vehicle in the northbound lanes of U.S. 131, bringing the incident to an end.
Cortes put on hold two hearings set for later this month pending the outcome of the forensic evaluation. He ordered that Nolin remain held without bond in the Kent County Jail.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@wzzm13.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter.