The Taber Police Service has apprehended a suspect following a "serious incident." (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Man charged in Taber after allegedly threatening police officer with knife

Apr 3, 2024 | 3:57 PM

TABER, AB – The Taber Police Service (TPS) says officers dealt with a “serious incident” following a traffic stop.

At approximately midnight on Tuesday/Wednesday, a constable with the TPS conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on the 4900 block of 51 Avenue. The officer demanded a mandatory screening.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly became agitated, yelling at the constable and exiting the vehicle.

“Upon exit, the male drew a knife and approached the Constable, threatening him with the knife. The Constable drew his service weapon, however, the male would not obey lawful commands to drop the knife,” a media release from the TPS explains.

The officer called for backup and retreated from the side of the suspect’s vehicle and down an alley. The man allegedly continued to threaten the officer.

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As a backup officer arrived on scene, it is alleged that the man continued to walk towards the officer, brandishing the knife in an aggressive manner.

A taser was deployed and the suspect was taken into custody.

TPS Chief Graham Abela says, “This is obviously a serious incident that took quick thinking, the applications of training, experience, and professionalism of our police officers. The outcome could have been much worse. No traffic stop should be considered routine as demonstrated by the criminal actions of this driver.”

A 53-year-old man from Coaldale is charged with one count each of assaulting a police officer with a weapon, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace, uttering death threats, and obstructing a police officer. Charges are pending for impaired driving.

The man received an immediate roadside suspension and his vehicle was seized.

As charges have not been officially sworn in before the courts, the TPS was not able to release the suspect’s name at this time.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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