Red Deer RCMP officer charged with assault

A Red Deer RCMP officer has been charged with assaultfollowing a statutory investigation of an altercation that injured a suspect, according to a news release sent by the RCMP on Tuesday.

Police say it happened March 3, 2023,after they respondedto a break and enter in Red Deer.

"Officers located a suspect and in the process of the arrest, officers were assaulted and sprayed with bear spray. While lawfully placing the suspect under arrest, an altercation occurred, which resulted in injuries to the suspect," reads the release.

The suspect was examined by EMS.

Const. Steven Cerant, who has been with the RCMP for three years, remains on administrative duties.

The news release notes that his duty status will be reviewed once the criminal matter is resolved.

Cerant is set to appear in court on Jan. 9at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.