MALONE -- Brent Bates is competent to stand trial for allegedly shooting at two State Police officers last summer, a Franklin County judge ruled Monday.

Judge Robert G. Main Jr. dismissed the Plattsburgh man's claim of amnesia and said Bates "has an acceptable, if not perfect, ability to assist" his attorney, Public Defender Thomas Soucia.

Bates faces a 17-count indictment that includes two charges of first-degree attempted murder.

Bates and Troopers Steven Euler and Douglas Hoffman allegedly exchanged gunfire following a routine stop off Kildare Road in Tupper Lake about 1:40 a.m. on Aug. 9.

Investigators said the officers approached Bates in his vehicle as it was parked along the remote roadway, a spot known for underage-drinking parties.

Bates got out of the vehicle, then leaned back in, and officers reportedly saw a gun partially hidden on the front seat.

As troopers struggled with him to secure the weapon, Bates was able to grab it and fire off six rounds, State Police said.

Hoffman suffered a leg injury from flying plastic or shrapnel from a bullet and has since recovered.

Bates, 50, suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach and jaw, and a bullet ricocheted off his face and broke his collar bone.

On Monday, he was brought into the courtroom in a wheelchair, dressed in county-issued orange clothing.

Soucia said his client has nerve damage and difficulty walking but is receiving physical therapy.

Because of his medical condition, the judge said every reasonable accommodation will be made for Bates when his case comes to trial.

For example, the number of consecutive days of court could be reduced, shorter hours of testimony could be held, and daily transcripts of the day's proceedings could be made available to him and his defense team.

AMNESIA DEBATE