Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Constable Justin Forster is facing an assault charge linked to an on-duty incident that occurred last year.
On June 21, 2021, Fort Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a call about a person squatting at a vacant property.
Upon arrival, police found a man who refused to identify himself. RCMP attempted to arrest the man but he became combative. Officers deployed tasers but were not able to subdue the man.
This led to an interaction between Forster and the man, prompting the intervention of other officers and bystanders. The man was taken into custody and taken to hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the interaction.
Alberta RCMP opened an investigation into the matter to determine what exactly happened between the officers and the man.
As a result of the investigation, Forster was charged with assault causing bodily harm and will appear in a Fort Saskatchewan court on Wednesday (Sept. 14).
Forster has been with the RCMP for three years and has remained with the force on administrative duties. His status with the detachment will be reviewed once the criminal matter has been resolved.