Calgary police officer charged with unlawfully pointing gun at driver 1 year after traffic stop

Almost a year after the incident, the Calgary Police Service announced it has charged an officer with pointing his gun at a driver who “allegedly made a rude gesture” toward him.

The CPS said two uniformed officers were driving an unmarked car when one saw the alleged gesture from the driver of a nearby vehicle. It happened at about 9 p.m. on Oct. 28, 2016.

“The members conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle during which the driver allegedly stopped and then moved forward a few more car lengths before fully stopping,” said a statement from police released Thursday.

“It is alleged that one officer then exited the unmarked unit, drew his service pistol, approached the driver-side window and pointed his firearm at the driver for several seconds.”

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CPS said the driver was arrested, issued a stunting ticket and then released. Police said the driver later formally complained to the Professional Standards Section and the officer was subsequently charged.

Professional Standards Section Insp. Keith Cain said he believed his unit was notified a day or two after the traffic stop. He said it was a “fair question” when asked why it took so long to lay charges.

“Most of our investigations take that long,” he said. “Part of it is once we’re done, it goes to the Crown, they assign someone to investigate, it goes through the process, and all of this unfortunately does take some time.”

Const. Adam Massart, who has six years of service with the Calgary police, has been charged with one count of unlawfully pointing a firearm under Section 87(1) of the Criminal Code.

Cain said Massart has been relieved from duty for seven days per the standard process. His assignment and status will be determined over the next week.

“Details of the incident and charge are being released in the interests of public transparency,” police said in the statement.

“The charged officer is afforded the right to a fair trial, the same as any member of the public, and they will receive the appropriate supports from the service during this court process.”

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Cain said there have been 23 incidents involving officers pointing their guns at members of the public this year. He said this is the only case that resulted in an investigation or charges.