A Jackson Township man charged in connection with a shooting on Jan. 1 has been ordered to undergo a third competency test before he may be allowed to represent himself in court.

Randy M. Swisher, 53, of 437 E. U.S. Highway 6, has been charged with aggravated battery, a Class B felony punishable by a term of six to 20 years in prison; and battery with a deadly weapon, a Class C felony punishable by a term of two to eight years in prison.

Swisher has already undergone two competency tests conducted by Porter-Starke Services, Porter County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mike Drenth told the Chesterton Tribune today. One found him competent to stand trial, the other not competent.

Swisher has indicated his desire to fire his public defender and represent himself at trial, Drenth said, but before he may do so Superior Court Judge Bill Alexa ordered him to undergo a third competency test.

According to the Porter County Sheriff’s Police, at 4:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day, Swisher’s roommate, Chad Nolan, 21, accompanied by several friends and family members, went to the front door of his house. Swisher answered the door armed with a shotgun and several handguns, police said, and fired the shotgun at Nolan, hitting him in the right shoulder. Nolan himself was armed with a .22 caliber pistol and returned fire, hitting Swisher in the stomach and right leg, police said.

Swisher attempted to flee but, still armed with the pistol, was apprehended by PCSP officers, police said. Both Swisher and Nolan were treated at Porter Valparaiso Hospital Campus.

Police said that family members reported Swisher to have been acting delusional for several days prior to the incident but that no one had sought treatment for him.

Posted 5/5/2008