The National Police Federation says a member of the legal profession chose to publicly shame an RCMP officer after the Mountie got into a brawl with two women — including a Red Deer lawyer — after a traffic stop in Red Deer..“As detailed separately by the RCMP, a June 3 motor vehicle stop and subsequent arrest of two subjects in Innisfail was based on strong suspicion the driver was intoxicated from the officer’s observations of dangerous driving," said Kevin Halwa, director of the Prairie Region National Police Federation.."The accused are now facing various charges, including assault of a police officer, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and refusing a breath demand.".Halwa said a family member of one of the accused has chosen to vent "sensationalized allegations of misconduct" by the arresting Mountie to the media..The lawyer's firm issued a statement Monday night alleging police brutality.."Policing is heavily regulated in Canada. There are numerous complaint processes available to members of the public in the event they feel that a police officer’s actions were not appropriate or justified," Halwa said.."All these processes incorporate independent, thorough, and transparent evidence-based investigations.".Halwa said the third-party complainant, "who presents themselves as a member of the legal profession, would know this, but chose to publicly shame the officer who has no opportunity to explain the situation without compromising ongoing criminal matters before the Courts."."This is a clear attempt to harm the reputation of the responding member, in addition to the physical assault and injuries they received as a result of this vehicle stop and arrest," Halwa said.."We thank the member for their patience, professionalism, and commitment to public safety during an unnecessarily tense and dangers situation, and we wish them a speedy recovery from their injuries.”.Laura Phypers, a Red Deer lawyer, was charged with attacking the RCMP officer and uttering threats..But Phypers law firm said the RCMP officer was to blame when they overreacted to the situation..The drama began Saturday when a Mountie from the Innisfail RCMP was conducting patrols near the Innisfail Hospital and observed a speeding black truck drive through a stop sign..Police say a traffic stop was initiated and a subsequent investigation ensued as the driver was suspected of being impaired by alcohol..Phypers works for Advocate Law, with her brother Andrew, also a lawyer...Andrew issued a statement to the Western Standard outlining their version of the story.."Out of deep respect for the justice system, Laura Phypers wishes to refrain from engaging in the public forum and trusts the facts will ultimately refute the allegations made against her. The RCMP, however, has made a press release that compels a response. On June 3rd, 2023, Laura Phypers, a prominent indigenous defence lawyer, was the passenger in a motor vehicle driven by her friend, Ms. Desiree Friesen, who is also indigenous," the statement reads.."Const. Binnendyk delivered no less than seven closed-fist punches to the head and chest of Ms. Phypers. While road-side, Ms. Friesen was forced onto her face and had her head slammed multiple times into the gravel. Ms. Phypers suffered from concussive symptoms, a broken nose, muscle damage, and serious facial and cranial bruising. Ms. Friesen suffered bruising to her face, cranium, neck and back.".The Western Standard reached out to Advocate Law for comment on the police union's statement, but it wasn't received in time for publication.
