A police officer in Langley, B.C. has been charged with aggravated assault in connection with a 2013 stabbing at a north Edmonton McDonald’s drive-thru six years ago.
In a news release issued on Thursday, the Edmonton Police Service said a man was arrested in Chilliwack, B.C. this week and charged in connection with the “serious assault.”
The B.C. RCMP later issued a news release in which it confirmed the accused, Benjamen Patrick Kozlovich, is a junior constable, currently posted to the Langley RCMP detachment. They said Kozlovich, 31, had not yet joined the RCMP when the assault took place.
The B.C. RCMP said it “has launched an internal investigation and is assessing the member’s employment status.”
“Kozlovich, who completed RCMP training in January 2018, is a probationary member.”
At about 2:40 a.m., on Jan. 1, 2013, a grey Pontiac Grand Am with three males in it was waiting in a McDonald’s drive-thru near Castle Downs Road and 153 Avenue, according to Edmonton police.
“An unknown male suspect approached the vehicle and a physical altercation ensued where a knife was used by the suspect,” Edmonton police said in a news release. “Witnesses intervened and the suspect then reportedly fled the scene on foot.”
Two people suffered serious injuries as a result of the altercation and police said for one victim, the injuries were “life-altering.”
Earlier this year, Edmonton police released a sketch of a suspect wanted in connection with the attack in an effort to generate tips from the public.
On Tuesday, Kozlovich was arrested. In addition to being charged with aggravated assault, he is also charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
“The investigation can now be concluded with thanks to witnesses that came forward with important information,” said Det. Paul Kelly of the Edmonton Police Service’s Northwest Division.
EPS said the arrest was possible thanks to help from both the B.C. RCMP and the Abbotsford Police Department.
Kozlovich has made his first appearance in court and has been released on bail, according to the RCMP.