Calgary, AB,
13
April
2017
|
16:08
America/Denver

Calgary police officer charged with assault and uttering threats

The Calgary Police Service has charged a 13-year member with assault in relation to an off-duty incident that occurred in early 2015.

At around noon, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, the off-duty officer was in his home in northwest Calgary. As he was looking out the window, he saw a man dressed in construction clothing and carrying a hard hat walking up and down the road. The officer went to his vehicle, which was parked outside. Once outside, the officer saw the same man walking between his house and a neighbour’s house.

The officer got into his vehicle and began to follow the man down the street. He rolled down the driver’s side window and began talking to the man, questioning what he was doing in the neighbourhood and why he was in the neighbour’s backyard. The officer did not identify himself to the man as an off-duty Calgary police member.

The man allegedly avoided speaking with the officer and kept walking. The officer continued to follow him and the man is alleged to have kicked the truck. It is then alleged that the officer used his vehicle to lightly strike the man from behind.

The officer then got out of the truck and a physical altercation occurred. The resident of a nearby home, alerted to the incident by a barking dog, looked out his window and contacted 9-1-1. The officer then identified himself to the witness as a member of the Calgary Police Service.

It is also alleged that the officer verbally threatened the man.

Both the officer and the man sustained injuries as a result of the altercation.

Following consultation with the Crown, charges against the officer were recommended.

Douglas SHERWOOD, 41, is charged with one count each of assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, and uttering threats. He will next appear in court on Monday, May 15, 2017.