PROVO — A man who police say shot his uncle during a chase through a Pleasant Grove neighborhood is getting closer to a resolution.

Colton Louder, 25, was scheduled to have a two-day preliminary hearing Wednesday and Thursday in 4th District Court, but it was canceled as attorneys discussed a potential plea deal Tuesday.

Defense attorney Lisa Crawford said she had previously proposed an offer to prosecutors that would resolve the case, but it was rebuffed.

Now, prosecutors are reconsidering that offer, and Crawford said she's fairly confident a resolution is close.

"Colton is realistic," she said. "He understands the situation he's in."

Police say Louder went to his grandparent's house Feb. 27 and was talking with his uncle, Jeffery Ackerman, in the garage.

For some reason, Louder took off running and was followed by Ackerman. Police believe that during the chase, Louder, who family members say has struggled with drugs, pulled a gun and fired several times at Ackerman, who was declared dead at the scene.

Deputy Utah County Attorney Jared Perkins said all the attorneys in the county attorney's office will discuss the plea offer before they make a decision.

If they agree to the deal, they'll proceed with the next steps toward resolution when Louder returns to court on July 21 at 2 p.m.

If not, they'll reschedule the preliminary hearing and proceed toward trial.

Crawford and Louder didn't waive, or forgo, the preliminary hearing, but simply canceled it to see if the case could be resolved.

Both sides agree there is no need to spend time or money conducting a hearing if the case can be resolved.

— Sara Israelsen-Hartley