WALLA WALLA -- A new trial date has been set for a man accused of pointing a loaded handgun at a Walla Walla police officer in September.

Paul Anderson, 63, of Benton City, now is scheduled to face a Walla Walla County Superior Court jury starting April 12. The proceedings are to begin next Monday.

Anderson has pleaded innocent to the charge of first-degree assault.

Walla Walla police said they were called to the 100 block of Bryant Avenue about 5:40 a.m. Sept. 13 for a report of a man with a gun trying to get into a home.

When Officer Kathy Loney arrived, she allegedly saw Anderson crouched behind a vehicle parked in a carport, pointing the gun directly at her. Hearing a sound she believed was the clicking of the trigger being pulled back, Loney reportedly jumped behind a different vehicle and alerted another officer.

Anderson -- who was telling officers to watch out for a girl in the vehicle and for snipers on the roof -- put the gun down and was apprehended, according to a police report filed in court.

The resident, Lyn Loiseau, of 150 Bryant, told police Anderson had driven up in a motor home, got out with the gun and warned of people trying to kill him. Anderson then started beating on Loiseau's door, perhaps attempting to force his way in, the police report said.

Anderson was booked into the county jail, but was placed on house arrest Nov. 3.

He underwent a mental evaluation by Eastern State Hospital staff from Medical Lake after his arrest to determine his competency for the case against him to proceed. He subsequently was found to be competent.