Mental health restoration ordered for standoff suspect

The briefing

Abel Wilkes, who was involved in an 18-hour armed standoff with authorities on Chumstick Highway in March 2023, was declared mentally incompetent by a judge last week. Wilkes, previously convicted of second-degree assault, is ordered to participate in competency restoration at an inpatient facility following breakdowns in communication with multiple indigent defense attorneys. He also faces an additional charge of second-degree assault for allegedly pointing his weapon at an officer during the standoff.