Calgary police officer arrested after allegedly pointing gun at driver who made rude gesture

A Calgary police officer has been charged criminally, accused ofpointing agun at a driver who made a rude gesture at the constable and his partner.

The incident happenedin October2016 when two uniformed officers in an unmarked police vehicle pulled a car over after witnessing what they believed was the driver making a rude gesture toward them. Police wouldn't elaborate on what the gesture was.

During the traffic stop, the "driver allegedly stopped and then moved forward a few more car lengths before fully stopping," Calgary police said in a written statement.

• Calgary police officer charged with obstruction and breach of trust

Const. Adam Massart, a six-year member, is accused of getting out of his car and pointing his service weapon at the driver for several seconds.

Ultimately, the driver was arrested, ticketed for stunting and then released.

The investigation began after the driver made a formal complaint daysafter he was ticketed. Insp.Keith Cain says ultimately that stunting charge was withdrawn.

At a press conference on Thursday, Cain said it's not uncommon for investigations to take a year and in this case, the Edmonton Crown's office had to review the file.

• Calgary police stand behind 3 'excellent officers' charged with kidnapping, assault

Massartis charged with one count of unlawfully pointing a firearm andhe will appear in court next month, according to his lawyer.

Police said they are releasing details in the "interests of public transparency."

So far this year, 23 officers have pointed their firearms at members of the public.

Cain says there are "very specific instances when it's appropriate" but wouldn't elaborate on the specifics of this case.

Massartbeen relieved from duty for seven days, during which time CPS will evaluate whether he will be suspended or assigned to administrative duties.