RCMP Watch

(Vancouver Province) - A Summerland RCMP officer is facing one count of assault causing bodily harm stemming from a roadside incident last year.

Cpl. Andre Turcotte, a 15-year veteran of the RCMP who has been stationed in Summerland since 2005, allegedly committed the unprovoked assault on a 40-year-old Penticton man on Highway 97 around 11:45 p.m. on Nov. 27.

An RCMP spokesman said Turcotte was off duty at the time and was driving his vehicle north on the highway, north of Summerland.

Turcotte allegedly stopped his car and approached a stopped compact car.

He identified himself as a police officer and produced a police badge.

He walked to the passenger side of the car and assaulted the alleged victim, Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said.

An internal investigation is under way and Turcotte’s status with the RCMP is being reviewed.