The trial date has been set for a west coast man who police say wanted to execute politicians in a bid to stop the provincial election.

Police have said that a single tip from the public gave them just enough time to stop Brake in his tracks on January 26, a Tuesday morning.

Brake first went to the town office in Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook over a municipal issue, but the office was closed. He then went to a nearby gas station before heading for Deer Lake in his pickup with a bag full of three dozen knives.

The tip helped RCMP locate Brake’s truck and a high-speed chase ensued, ending outside the Deer Lake law office of PC candidate Jim Goudie.

Brake was arrested there without incident as other officers descended on his home in Shoal Brook.

66-year-old Brake was found mentally fit to stand trial and has remained in custody ever since, with all of his appearances held by video and teleconference.

He had said he wanted to delay his trial until he could appear in person, which won’t be an issue as long as the province remains at Level 2 due to the pandemic.

In Corner Brook provincial court this morning, Judge Wayne Gorman set a trial date for April 30 on charges of possessing weapons for a dangerous purpose, uttering death threats, dangerous driving, and fleeing from police.

A separate date was set for May to challenge the RCMP search of Brake’s home where firearms were seized.