Fort Saskatchewan RCMP officer charged with assault after incident with prisoner

A Fort Saskatchewan RCMP officer has been charged with assault following an altercation with a prisoner who was in custody under the Mental Health Act.

The incident occurred on March 14, 2024, when RCMP responded to a call about a mental health concern at a local residence.

Officers located a suicidal individual and placed them under arrest. During the encounter, an altercation took place, and one officer struck the prisoner.

The individual was later taken to the hospital for treatment and assessment.

Nearly two months later, on May 2, 2024, the individual filed a complaint with the RCMP, alleging they had been struck by the officer.

After an internal investigation, RCMP charged Const. Justin Forster with assault causing bodily harm on February 25, 2025.

Forster is scheduled to make his first court appearance on April 3, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Saskatchewan.

Following the charge, he was reassigned to administrative duties.