Police officer facing assault charges

Veteran of Regina force reassigned to administrative job

The complainant in an alleged assault involving a Regina police officer says he forgives the member facing the charge, but maintains what happened to him was not right.

Cpl. Colin Magee, a 15-year member of the Regina Police Service, is facing an assault charge related to an incident that took place in December, 2016.

The complainant, who identified himself as James, addressed Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray during a press conference held at police headquarters on Wednesday.

At times becoming emotional and taking a deep breath, James spoke about his allegations while Bray listened.

“I forgive Cpl. Magee, but when I was slammed to the ground and he said to me when I called out for a supervisor ‘I am the supervisor,’ that is what got me,” the man told Bray.

“I forgive the man because he’s just a man, and honestly we will all mess up and it is by grace we can forgive one another, but honestly I forgive him and I’ll see him in the street and I will smile, but what he did wasn’t right,” James continued as he addressed Bray.

Bray said the charge was filed first thing Wednesday morning.

Magee, 44, was the subject of a Public Complaints Commission (PCC) investigation after it was alleged he used excessive force against a 25-year-old man. According to a police news release, the incident is said to have occurred in the 110 block of Lindsay Street on the night of Dec. 7 during an investigation into suspicious activity (possible theft from auto).

Magee, who was on duty at the time, allegedly assaulted the man in the course of an arrest.

Police received notice from the PCC on Dec. 15 that an investigation was underway. Magee has been reassigned to administrative duties pending the outcome of the court proceedings.

As a result of the PCC investigation, Magee is charged with common assault.

James said he was leaving for work the night the arrest took place. As someone who works at a hostel, he told Bray that he works closely with police and has respect for what they do.

He declined to speak further about what happened during his arrest.

According to police, the incident led to a man being arrested for obstruction of justice, but he was not charged for the initial reason he was stopped by police officers.

Bray spoke directly to James and told him he appreciated his comments.

Regardless of the outcome or whether discipline is taken against Magee, Bray said there would be an opportunity for James to meet with police and try to reach some kind of conclusion.

“It’s important for us to be transparent and work very cooperatively with the community to make sure that we continue to instil confidence in the job that we do,” said Bray.

If Magee is found guilty, Bray said the RPS will review the province’s Police Act, and make a determination as to what action the department should take.

Magee previously worked on the RPS’ Underwater Investigation and Recovery Team. In 2004, he received a commendation for helping rescue a woman and her two small children from a burning house.

He will make his first court appearance in Regina Provincial Court on Aug. 17.