Elder Niedermeyer's competency still in question in Ash Fork shooting case

PRESCOTT - One of two men accused of ambushing a Yavapai County Sheriff's Volunteer in Protection will be given another mental competency evaluation.

Gregory J. Niedermeyer, 49, and his son, Jason D. Niedermeyer, 24, were each indicted on attempted first-degree murder, three aggravated assault charges, two counts of misconduct involving weapons and criminal damage.

A police probable cause statement said sheriff's volunteer Steve Edgar was patrolling on Bullock Road in Ash Fork when an ATV passed him at high speed. Edgar, armed, in full uniform and driving a marked YCSO vehicle, was not authorized to pursue or stop the ATV, so he instead tried to follow it to report back to a deputy later.

Edgar was not able to keep up with the ATV and stopped at a gated property on Cattle Road, according to the statement. He got out to take GPS coordinates to add to his report, and as Edgar stood outside his vehicle, a gust of wind blew papers out and onto the ground. He picked them up, then saw that some had blown past the unlocked gate and went to retrieve those. When Edgar turned to walk back, he was shot in the hip, and hit twice more.

He estimated 20 to 30 rounds were fired toward him, some striking the patrol vehicle.

Edgar got back to the patrol vehicle, called for help, and drove away. After an hours-long standoff with SWAT at the property, Jason called 911 to surrender.

Gregory immediately asked for an attorney and wasn't questioned. He's already undergone one full competency exam, but did not agree with the results. Both the prosecution and Gregory's own attorney requested a second exam.

On Monday, Nov. 9, Superior Court Judge Tina Ainley ordered him to have another evaluation and set his next court date for Dec. 14.