Officer charged in Stampede altercation

A Calgary police officer has been charged with assault in connection with an altercation while arresting a man during the Stampede last year.

The officer, a six-year veteran, is alleged to have used excessive force while placing a man under arrest at Stampede Park on July 10.

Police officials didn’t disclose any further details of the arrest, but the head of the association representing rank-and-file officers said it took place among a crowd on the Stampede grounds.

“It relates to an arrest right beside one of the performance stages of an individual who was being disruptive in the crowd,” Calgary Police Association president John Dooks said.

“It will be up to a judge to decide if the use of force was reasonable and justified.”

Police didn’t specify if the man was intoxicated, but said he wasn’t seriously hurt.

“It’s my understanding he required no medical attention,” said Supt. Kevan Stuart.

After an internal investigation, police forwarded their findings to the Crown prosecutor’s office in Edmonton for review.

Investigators charged the officer on Wednesday after consulting with the Crown, and he is now relieved from duty with pay while the matter goes to court.

The Calgary Police Service has not released the officer’s name, in keeping with its policy of not naming officers accused of committing offences while carrying out their duties.

Under the policy, police will disclose the names of any officers who are ultimately convicted.