An RCMP officer faces a criminal charge of assault causing bodily harm in connection with an incident in Gleichen. According to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), Const. Marie-Helene Dupere was arrested and charged on Thursday. The police watchdog said the incident occurred almost a year ago on Oct. 30, 2025. ASIRT said it investigated an allegation of excessive force involving a woman being put into cells at Gleichen’s RCMP detachment. Dupere is not currently in custody. Dupere is next set to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice at Siksika Nation on Nov. 26. The police watchdog announced Dupere’s arrest and charging on Friday. The incident Previously, ASIRT said the alleged victim was picked up for mischief. “On being arrested, the female had visible blood on her face and said she had been beaten up,” ASIRT said in November 2025. “An officer told her that emergency medical services (EMS) would be called.” ASIRT said Mounties then took the woman to the Gleichen detachment. ASIRT said an officer walked the woman to a cell and that her hands were handcuffed behind her at the time. “The officer repeatedly asked the female to remove her shoes, and the female responded by swearing and asking for an ambulance,” ASIRT said. “The female then turned away from the officer. “The officer grabbed her arm and kicked her legs out from under her. The female hit the ground with her face.” ASIRT said paramedics arrived a short time later. ASIRT said the woman’s injuries included a cut on her upper lip and a lost tooth. With files from Melissa Gilligan
