Assault charge against Calgary police union president dropped

An assault chargeagainst the head of Calgary's police union hasbeen dropped, his lawyer confirms.

Sgt. Les Kaminskihad been charged with assault with a weapon and perjury in connectionto atraffic stop in downtown Calgary in 2008 that ended in the arrest and trial of Jason Arkinstall.

Kaminski's lawyer, AlainHepner, told CBC News the assault charge was withdrawn Monday morning.

"He was delighted that the assault charges were withdrawn, and we move forward to the next phase, which is the trial on the other allegation," said Hepner.

Kaminskistill faces aperjury charge.

"Les is a 31-year veteran of the Calgary Police Service who's been on the street for years. He's put himself in harm's way numerous times," Hepnersaid.

Hepnerexpects the Court of Queen's Bench trial will be held in the fall or early winter.

Arkisntall, himself, was charged with uttering threats against Const. Brant Derrick, one of the arresting officers.

A provincial court judge acquitted Arkinstallin 2011, saying in his written decision that Kaminski and Derrick were not credible witnesses.

He was electedas head of the 2,200-member police union last November.