An RCMP officer has been charged with assault causing bodily harm following an investigation into the force used against a person in custody on the Samson Cree First Nation.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate the officer’s actions. After gathering evidence, ASIRT determined there were reasonable grounds to believe an offence had been committed.
The case was then forwarded to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service (ACPS) for review, as required by the Police Act.
Following that review, the ACPS advised that the evidence met the standard for prosecution. ASIRT Executive Director Michael Ewenson, KC, subsequently determined charges were warranted.
On Tuesday, RCMP officer Christopher Larsen was charged under Section 267(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada. He was released on an appearance notice and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on April 15, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.
No other details were released.
ASIRT continues to independently investigate incidents involving Alberta police that result in serious injury or death, as well as serious allegations of misconduct.