Fraser Lake Man Charged With Attempted Murder of RCMP Officer

Sunday, February 25, 2007 05:22 PM

A Fraser Lake man is facing several charges, including Attempted Murder of a Police Officer, after a violent altercation on the Stellaquo Reserve.

Corporal Pierre Lemaitre, with the RCMP’s "E" Division Communications, says the officer was being choked into unconsciousness when a male bystander came to the officer’s aid and subdued the violent aggressor.

Corporal Lemaitre says the incident began around 3am Friday morning, when the constable with the Fraser Lake Detachment responded to a complaint on the nearby reserve. The female complainant told the officer that she had asked a man who was sleeping on her couch to leave, but he refused to do so.

Lemaitre says the officer woke the man and offered to give him a ride home, but, without warning, the man began throwing punches. The physcial struggle escalated and the man is said to have overpowered the officer, by placing a choke-hold on him.

According to the RCMP spokesperson, "As the suspect continued to choke the officer from behind, the assailant repeatedly told the officer , ’I’m going to kill you’."

It was at that point, that another male in the house stepped in to assist the officer.

A 21-year-old man whom, police say, has a history of physical violence has been placed under arrest.

The RCMP North District Major Crime Team have been called upon to assist and oversee this criminal investigation. The officer is recovering from the assault.

Previous Story - Next Story

Email |

Print |

Facebook |

Twitter |

Digg |

Del.icio.us

Posted on Sunday, February 25, 2007 05:22 PM in News by 250 News

Return to Home

Comments

Posted by: Runner46 on February 25 2007 6:20 PM

Being the first one to comment, I can only say that I hope the officer recovers and continues to serve the public.

Posted by: Mcfly on February 25 2007 7:40 PM

Horrible!
I hope he was not hurt too badly, and is all healed up soon.
And thanks to the other man who assisted the officer.

Posted by: lmorg on February 25 2007 11:15 PM

The RCMP is understaffed and this is a perfect example of what can go wrong. There should have been two officers attending to a call of that nature. Poor management is to blame on this!! The police officer always goes where others may fear to tread, but when are the ranks going to take a stand against management for allowing this dangerous practise to go on?? Its all a money thing: only one guy on call...just so the white shirts can show they're being "good managers".

Posted by: DPJ on February 25 2007 11:16 PM

Is public hanging allowed for the accused???

Posted by: owl on February 25 2007 11:27 PM

In Afghanistan it is, DPJ. But NATO is over there to stop that.

Maybe you would like to join the Taliban?

Posted by: Chadermando on February 26 2007 3:14 AM

I agree with Imorg this should have been at least two officers. Bad management by the managers. I thought they made new policies after that Edmonton thing last year?

I wonder how an officer allows himself to get in such close quarters with a potentially violent person when working alone, and then be over taken? Seems like the officer lacked judgement and possibly the skill to handle such a situation.

I figure the nut head that attacked the cop should get at least ten years. Make it a line that should not be crossed thereby holding the police in turn to a higher standard themselves.

Posted by: whynotyou on February 26 2007 8:30 AM

Yes, perfect opportunity to set an example with this perp. People need to learn in a big hurry that the "law" needs to be respected. Lucky turn of events for "all concerned". Including the perp. Domestic disturbances should never be attended by a "lone officer". Not ever.

Posted by: heidi1555 on February 26 2007 9:16 AM

yeah i see your point. every situation is different hey? i'm totally against police brutality and excessive force where its not necessary so really this case ended good but you know what really gets me is I agree with the comment that no officer should work alone ever! For the safety of the officer and also the safety of all involved in the different situations. Some situations are misread and officer jumps to conclusions so a partner could be there as backup and assistance in the other officers moment of weakness or as proof to how the man died...truth. And as of the white shirts well thats just another scary story right there about money and politics. It's true though it can be the officers bad call (not this case mentioned in article but in other cases) but really i think it needs to be traced back to the academy, politicians, whoever really that holds any power in the matter. Change will come. Kevin is in my thoughts obviously and i'll defend his name until the day they bury me. I am glad nobody was hurt in this situation and the proper punishment will be served.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on February 26 2007 9:23 AM

With all due respect to the police officer,any domestic complaint should be attended by at least two cops.These calls can be extremely dangerous.A lttle bad judgement here perhaps,but we really don't know the circumstances.No matter how well trained these guys are,there will always be someone tougher in a scrap and they are well aware of that.I am sure this officer did his best.We actually should have a law that states if you attack a cop,you go away for a long time.No exceptions.They should be untouchable.It wouldn't solve the problem of violence against cops,but it would certianly help.

Posted by: metalman on February 26 2007 9:24 AM

It was Mayerthorpe, Chadermando.
In this case I would not be surprised if the constable knew the fellow, and the complainants too, and felt comfortable with the situation, in that case, his mistake. I agree that there should have been two constables attending.
Despite my previous comments vis a vi Kevin St. Arnaud, Ian Bush et al, I am on the side of the R.C.M.P. Thankfully no shots were fired, although this would be a prime example of just cause (not withstanding the fact that these men and women REALLY need better self defense training and ongoing practice too) The sleeper got the drop on the cop which put him on top 'til the other guy made him stop.
metalman.

Posted by: thereasonableman on February 27 2007 8:29 AM

If there were not more than one officer able to attend, there should have at least been close backup reasonably accessible, and close radio contact and monitoring. The officer handled the situation appropriately and with great merit. As metal said, he probably knew everybody and was using that familiarity to try to diffuse the situation. What we may find, is that without proper management and safety procedures, an officer may have to refuse to attend in order to preserve his or her safety. That would be appropriate and justified. The death or injury of any officer is never a good resolution to any situation.

Posted by: thereasonableman on February 27 2007 3:52 PM

Heidi brings up a good point also...more than one head involved also diversifies the decision making process and provides for a "second opinion" right on the spot. If one chooses to act alone, there are still two witnesses.