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Carlyle RCMP officer charged with assault with a weapon

A Carlyle RCMP officer has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon (oleoresin capsicumspray [OC] spray), under section 267(a) of the Criminal Code, as a result of an investigation into a complaint. On Oct.
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A Carlyle RCMP officer has been charged with one count of assault with a weapon (oleoresin capsicumspray [OC] spray), under section 267(a) of the Criminal Code, as a result of an investigation into a complaint.

On Oct. 31, 2020, officers from the Carlyle RCMP detachment stopped a vehicle in Arcola to conduct an Alcohol and Gaming Regulations Act investigation. One of the occupants of the vehicle, an adult male, was arrested by Const. Dani Zaya during the course of the investigation.

During interaction with the adult male, Zaya allegedly utilized OC spray, also known as pepper spray.

A complaint was made to Carlyle RCMP in relation to this incident on Nov. 18, 2020. An investigation was started by the RCMP South District Management Team that day and a statutory investigation was requested by the RCMP South District on Nov. 20, 2020.

The investigation was completed on Feb. 12 and after consultation with Crown prosecution, Zaya was charged and arrested on June 23, and released on conditions. He will appear in Carlyle Provincial Court on July 14 at 10 a.m.

“Contraventions to the RCMP Code of Conduct are taken seriously,” the RCMP said in a news release.

Zaya has been suspended with pay since the investigation began. He was on administrative duties until Jan. 20, at which time he ceased working. He remains suspended with pay. Information about the RCMP Act which governs conduct is available online at: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/amended-rcmp-act

“Complaints such as the one received in relation to the above incident are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated,” said assistant commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP. “The Saskatchewan RCMP has previously committed that if RCMP officers are criminally charged, we will be transparent and notify the public. This is one such example.”

As this matter is now before the courts, the RCMP is unable to provide further detail about the incident that occurred in October 2020.

The charge has not been proven in court.