Traumatized officer ‘snapped’ during teen’s arrest

Court told officer assaulted teen after traumatic calls

A Saskatchewan RCMP officer who hit, tackled and choked a 19-yearold man suspected of breaking into vehicles in Warman last year “was not fit for duty that evening,” his lawyer says.

Cpl. Dean Flaman, 46, was charged with assault in August 2016 following the early morning incident on Feb. 24, 2016. He pleaded guilty to the charge in April.

On Tuesday, defence lawyer Brad Mitchell argued for a conditional discharge — meaning Flaman would not have a criminal record as long as he abides by certain conditions. Crown prosecutor Bill Burge did not argue for a specific sentence but said any type of discharge would be “contrary to the public interest.”

The violence Flaman used was “gratuitous” considering there was no need for any use of force, Burge said during Flaman’s sentencing hearing in Saskatoon provincial court. He recounted how another officer, Const. Bill Rowley, said he was in the process of arresting Trent Blackbird when Flaman, who had been dealing with another teen, ran over and yelled “What are you doing stealing in my town?”

Flaman then punched Blackbird twice in the face and slammed him against a window before putting him in a chokehold until Blackbird was “gasping for air,” according to Rowley.

Burge said Rowley told Flaman “I got this Dean,” but Flaman pulled Blackbird out of the police car and threw him against the open door. Both men fell to the ground; Flaman was on top and pushed Blackbird’s head into the snow, court heard.

Flaman mistakenly thought Rowley needed help, Mitchell told court. He called the assault a “misunderstanding and over-reaction” that happened after Flaman had recently attended two traumatic calls.

One was a horrific car crash in which two children were killed. In the other incident, just 45 minutes before responding to the report of people breaking into vehicles in Warman, Flaman witnessed a teen shoot himself in the head, court heard.

“He snapped,” Mitchell said, noting there was no opportunity for counselling or chance for Flaman to decompress.

Citing letters of support, he said Flaman, a 16-year RCMP member, is a “role model” police officer who is “highly respected” by members of the communities he serves. Mitchell argued the public is better served when a “good” officer is punished through conditions like community service while being able to keep his job.

According to the RCMP, a conviction would not result in an automatic job loss, Burge said.

A sentencing decision is expected Wednesday.