Two Edmonton police officers facing assault charges after on-duty incident

Two Edmonton Police Service (EPS) officers are facing assault charges in relation to an on-duty incident in the city’s southeast in Oct. 2023.

EPS in a news release said Const. David Castillo and Const. Ali Hamzeh were charged on Friday.

An external complaint sparked launch of the investigation.

The charges stem from an incident on Oct. 14, 2023, near Whitemud Drive and 66th Street, police said.

“On Oct. 17, 2023, the EPS professional standards branch received an external complaint regarding the officers, leading to the launch of a formal investigation. The case was referred to the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service in Calgary in April. On Aug. 27 prosecutors recommended Castillo and Hamzeh be charged,” the news release said.

Castillo, a 10-year member of EPS, is charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm. Hamzeh, who has been with EPS for three years, is charged with assault causing bodily harm.

Both Castillo and Hamzeh are currently employed in non-patrol and non-supervisory positions.

EPS Professional Standards Branch will commence an investigation under the Police Service Regulation (PSR) following the resolution of the criminal prosecution.

EPS said it wouldn’t comment further as the matter is currently before the courts.