A New Brunswick RCMP officer faces a single assault charge after an investigation by the Nova Scotia Serious Incident Response Team.
Codiac RCMP Constable Billy Parent-Roy faces one count of assault causing bodily harm after an incident on June 29, 2022, that involved a person in custody.
In a news release issued in late July, the RCMP arrested a 51-year-old man under the Intoxicated Person Detention Act. Codiac RCMP holding cells were closed at the time of the arrest, so they transported the man to the Shediac RCMP cell block.
“The man was described as agitated and aggressive, and was placed in handcuffs and leg cuffs,” said New Brunswick RCMP Cpl. Hans Ouellette at the time.
“While being moved to the cell area, an altercation ensued between the man and four RCMP members. One member suffered a non-life-threatening injury. No injuries were reported by the man in custody.”
Mounties later referred the incident to the SIRT for an independent investigation. One member has been placed on administrative duties pending the outcome of the review.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ouellette said the RCMP placed Parent-Roy on administrative duties on Aug. 4, pending the results of the SiRT investigation.
He adds the RCMP will proceed with “appropriate actions” pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
“This is a very serious allegation, and the New Brunswick RCMP is treating it as such,” said Ouellette in the statement.
“RCMP members are expected to hold themselves to a high moral and professional standard. We understand and respect the impact it can have on public trust when there is any allegation that a member has not met the standard that our communities deserve.”
Ouellette said the New Brunswick RCMP would continue to support any further investigation and the ongoing criminal proceedings to ensure full accountability and transparency.