Alberta RCMP officer charged with assault for punching suicidal woman

An Alberta RCMP officer has been charged with assault causing bodily harm for punching a woman who was detained last year while experiencing a mental health crisis.

In a news release Wednesday, RCMP said an officer from the Fort Saskatchewan detachment has been charged with assault causing bodily harm in connection with an arrest made on March 14, 2024.

RCMP charged Const. Justin Forster last week, nearly a year after an investigation into his use of force began. 

According to the RCMP statement, the alleged assault occurred after officers were called about a person experiencing mental health issues at a home in Fort Saskatchewan, about 25 kilometres northeast of Edmonton.

"Upon arrival, officers located the suicidal person and placed them under arrest under the Mental Health Act," RCMP said.

An altercation occurred, resulting in the officer "delivering a strike" to the person, RCMP said.

The person was taken to the hospital for treatment, police said. Police did not comment on the extent of the woman's injuries.

In Alberta, the Mental Health Act allows for a person suffering from a mental disorder to be apprehended and detained involuntarily for examination, treatment or care. 

Cpl. Troy Savinkoff told CBC that a woman was detained and that she was allegedly punched by the officer inside the home. 

In early May, 2024, the victim lodged a complaint with the RCMP, police said. 

"She launched a public complaint directly with us and we immediately started a statutory investigation, which is basically a criminal investigation," Savinkoff said.

"We took it on ... and did our own investigation into it." 

Forster is expected to appear in court April 3 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Saskatchewan.

After being charged, Forster was placed on administrative duties, RCMP said.

If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to look for help:

• Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.