Off-duty RCMP instructor charged for allegedly punching driver

An assault charge against an off-duty RCMP training instructor is coming to light more than four months after the incident allegedly took place. 
 
In a news release Thursday, Regina police said a man came to the service’s front desk  on Sept. 11, 2016 and reported he had been attacked outside Regina International Airport.
 
Philippe Marcel Cleroux, 37, is alleged to have approached the man’s vehicle around 1:10 p.m. that day, then punched him in the face when he rolled down his window.
 
Police reported Cleroux was arrested Dec. 21, 2016, then released on an officer’s recognizance. He is to appear in Regina Provincial Court Jan. 30 to face an assault charge.
 

RCMP confirmed Thursday Cpl. Cleroux remains on regular duty at RCMP Depot Division as an instructor in the police defensive tactics unit.

At this time, an internal investigation and the Regina Police Service investigation are ongoing.

Police respond to media

Regina police did not issue a media release about the incident until this week.
 
“We don’t typically do written news releases for a common assault,” police spokeswoman Elizabeth Popowich said in an email Thursday.
 
Under the Criminal Code of Canada, an assault conviction carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, but can also be resolved with a fine up to $5,000.

It’s a less serious charge than assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Aggravated assault is the most serious non-sexual assault charge, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Popowich responded to a media question as to why the release was not sent, given the accused’s position and title.

“The occupation of the accused is of no particular consequence to us in terms of the alleged offence. The individual was acting as a private citizen when the alleged assault occurred,” she said.