File photo of the Lethbridge Police station (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Lethbridge Police respond to withdrawal of assault charge against officer

Dec 3, 2020 | 10:27 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police have responded to criminal charges being dropped against an officer.

In August, Constable David Easter was charged with the assault of a male prisoner and relieved of duty without pay. The charge came after an incident in the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) short-term holding facility on February 9, 2020. The prisoner did not sustain any injuries, according to LPS.

On Wednesday, December 2, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charge against Easter.

READ MORE: Alberta Crown Prosecutors withdraw criminal charges against LPS officer

On Thursday morning, December 3, LPS issued a statement in response to the charges being dropped.

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“Lethbridge Police received an official complaint [following the incident], followed all protocols, and were mandated by the province to proceed with a criminal investigation. Following a thorough investigation, the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service determined it would proceed with a criminal charge,” LPS stated.

“Police do not make recommendations that charges be laid in such cases, they only provide the findings of their investigation for the Crown’s consideration. It was also the Crown’s decision this week to withdraw the charge against Easter.”

Easter remains relieved of his duties, now with pay, pending an internal review under the Police Act.

Lethbridge Police said no further details will be provided at this point as the situation is “a human resource matter protected by privacy legislation”.

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