Calgary cop's assault charges dropped mid-trial after evidence discredited by defence
The prosecution made the move after the alleged victim's testimony
Charges against a Calgary police officer were dismissed mid-trial Thursday in Cochrane after the complainant's evidence fell apart during cross-examination.
Vincent Proulx was facing charges of assault, assault by choking and forcible confinement. He was accused of attacking his former girlfriend on Jan. 14, 2023, during an argument.
But after Brittany Carlson, 36, finished testifying, prosecutor Vince Pingatore requested a break. He came back into the courtroom minutes later and asked the judge to dismiss all charges, the equivalent of an acquittal.
"My client is very grateful that the charges were dismissed after cross-examination of the complainant," defence lawyer Cory Wilson said afterward.
"He is disappointed that RCMP charged him based on a one-sided version of events but looks forward to moving on with his life."
Contradictory evidence
The Calgary Police Service says Proulx remains employed by CPS but is on administrative duties.
The one-day trial got underway Thursday with Carlson's testimony.
She told Pingatore that she and Proulx had broken up days before the alleged assault and she'd made plans to move out of their shared home in Cochrane.
Carlson testified that when she turned up to pack around 9 a.m., Proulx was home despite her assertion they'd made arrangements for her to be there alone.
But in cross-examination, defence lawyer Cory Wilson produced text messages between his client and Carlson where she told him she would be at the home later that night.
Photos didn't show injuries
Carlson said that once in the home, Proulx trapped her in a bedroom, threw her on a bed, sat on her back and ripped out some of her hair.
She testified she was covered in bruises, scratches and cuts, and suffered whiplash, a torn muscle and a dislocated shoulder. She also testified she required surgery.
Under cross-examination, Wilson showed Carlson medical records and photos taken by RCMP that did not align with any of the injuries she claimed to have suffered.
"You said scratches and bruises on your arms but there are none in photos," Wilson said.
"Not that I can see," Carlson agreed.
Proulx's black eye
Wilson also showed Carlson a photo of Proulx with a black eye following the incident.
He suggested she had hit him in the face, an allegation Carlson denied.
But she did admit to a history of hitting Proulx, including a time she punched him in the face.
Wilson then asked if Carlson had ever thrown cups at Proulx. She repeatedly denied the suggestion.
An audio clip of a fight between the former boyfriend and girlfriend was then played for the court.
In the clip, Carlson can be heard clearly apologizing to Proulx.
"I'm sorry that I threw cups at you," she said.
Even after the audio was played, Carlson denied throwing cups at Proulx.
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