A Calgary man is facing a series of serious charges following a violent confrontation with a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer during a traffic stop in southwestern Alberta last week.
Erratic Driving Report Leads to Arrest
On Thursday, January 7, 2026, at approximately 4:20 p.m., RCMP officers from the Crowsnest Pass detachment responded to a call concerning a vehicle being driven erratically on Highway 22, south of its junction with Highway 520. Police indicated that initial reports suggested the driver might have been impaired.
Officers successfully located the suspect vehicle. Upon their approach, they observed one individual near the trunk of the car, while another remained in the passenger seat. According to the RCMP, the person outside the vehicle exhibited signs of alcohol consumption and was subsequently placed under arrest.
Altercation and Foot Chase
The situation escalated rapidly when the suspect resisted the arrest. The individual allegedly assaulted the RCMP officer before fleeing the scene on foot. A search ensued, leading to the suspect's apprehension with the assistance of a police service dog.
The accused sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment before being taken into custody.
Multiple Charges Laid
The RCMP have identified the accused as 58-year-old Robert Val-Lane Edwards of Calgary. He now faces a multitude of charges, including:
- Assaulting a police officer
- Resisting arrest
- Obstruction of a peace officer
- Driving a motor vehicle while prohibited
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Refusal to comply with a demand for impairment screening
Edwards was remanded into custody following the arrest. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Lethbridge provincial courthouse.
The RCMP emphasized the risks officers face during routine traffic stops and affirmed their commitment to holding individuals accountable for violence against police members.
