Assault charge against Calgary Police Association president withdrawn

An assault charge has been dropped against the president of Calgary’s police union.

Sgt. Les Kaminski of the Calgary Police Association was charged with assault with a weapon and perjury in connection with a 2008 traffic stop in downtown Calgary.

Alberta Justice confirmed Monday that the assault charge against Kaminski had been withdrawn.

A second officer, Const. Brant Derrick, also faced a charge of assault in connection with the traffic stop, which led to the arrest of Jason Arkinstall.

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Arkinstall was charged with uttering threats against Derrick, but was acquitted in 2011.  A provincial court judge said in his written decision that Kaminski and Derrick were not credible witnesses.

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Kaminski will still stand trial on a perjury charge. A new date for the trial has not been set.

Hepner said his legal team is working on securing a fall trial for Kaminski and plans to “vigorously” defend the allegations.

“This is a 31-year veteran with the Calgary Police Service with an unblemished record. He’s a public servant,” he said.

Kaminski became head of the 2,200-member union earlier this year.

Derrick is expected to stand trial on the assault charge on Nov. 7, 2017.

With files from Jill Croteau, Global News