From Red Deer RCMP

Red Deer RCMP asking for witnesses regarding alleged assault at demonstration – Update

Further investigation of the Sept. 22, 2020, video that surfaced online has been completed by the Red Deer RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS).

This investigation has brought to light that on Sept. 20, 2020, the incident that is shown on the video occurred during the protest and RCMP members at the scene responded within seconds. The parties were then separated and assistance was offered to the victim. Both parties were identified; however, due to the growing concern that tensions were escalating within the crowd, the parties were permitted to disperse.

As per the background below, a video of a second incident was brought to the Alberta RCMP’s attention via social media on Sept. 21, 2020, and as a result, Red Deer RCMP opened an investigation that was completed by Red Deer RCMP GIS. The Red Deer RCMP GIS’s investigation into this incident involved the review of a large quantity of video evidence and conducting a large number of witness interviews.

As a result of this complex investigation, Red Deer GIS have reviewed dozens of videos from various angles and points of view to determine what criminal offences have taken place. Based on the information that has been reviewed at this time, RCMP have identified three separate criminal incidents that took place at the demonstration on Sept. 20, 2020. The first incident is that which is mentioned in the background below that occurred prior to police arrival at the demonstration. A second involved the incident that was captured on the video mentioned above during the demonstration that was brought to the attention of Alberta RCMP via social media on Sept. 21, 2020. A third incident was uncovered by the RCMP investigation, was supported by video evidence and remains under investigation. Red Deer RCMP GIS continue to review video evidence in an effort to uncover any other criminal incidents that may have taken place at the Sept. 20, 2020, event.

Trevor Lyle Roy (42) of Penhold, Alta. has been charged with assault in relation to the first incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2020, and he is scheduled to attend Red Deer Provincial Court on Nov. 17, 2020.

The Red Deer RCMP GIS have requested a summons charging an individual with assault with a weapon in relation to the second incident that occurred on Sept. 20, 2020. Until the summons has been issued by the courts and subsequently served, the name of the accused cannot be released. Once that information becomes available, an update will be issued.

The Red Deer RCMP would like to thank all those who were cooperative with their investigation by providing statements and video evidence.

Background:

Sept. 22, 2020

Red Deer RCMP asking for witnesses regarding alleged assault at demonstration

Red Deer, Alta. – On Sept. 20, 2020, Red Deer RCMP attended a scheduled anti-racism demonstration at Rotary Recreation Park. As demonstrators were setting up for the event and prior to RCMP arriving for their planned attendance, a disturbance occurred between two separate demonstration groups, resulting in one male allegedly assaulting another. This incident was caught on video prior to Red Deer RCMP members arriving on scene and was shown to officers by those on scene.

Red Deer RCMP were aware of the planned demonstration and had prepared to have adequate resources and specially equipped officers at the event to handle any potential risks to public safety. After arriving on scene, members became aware of the alleged assault, were able to de-escalate the situation between the two groups and spoke with the victim.

A second incident was brought to the Alberta RCMP’s attention via social media on Sept. 21, 2020, and as a result, Red Deer RCMP opened an investigation that is being handled by Red Deer RCMP GIS. We are asking any witnesses to this incident to come forward with any information and contact Red Deer RCMP GIS at 403-406-2300.

“The Red Deer RCMP take this matter very seriously,” says Superintendent Gerald Grobmeier, Officer in Charge of Red Deer RCMP. “The role of the RCMP at demonstrations is to keep the peace and allow individuals their democratic right to gather. The matter remains under investigation.”