Two Edmonton police officers face assault charges following an on-duty incident

Two Edmonton Police Service officers face assault charges in connection with an incident while on duty in the city's southeast in October 2023.

Police officers David Castillo and Ali Hamzeh were charged on Friday, EPS said in a press release on Friday afternoon.

The charges stem from an incident that occurred on October 14, 2023, near Whitemud Drive and 66th Street, police said.

On October 17, 2023, the EPS's Professional Standards Division “received an external complaint regarding the officers,” which led to the initiation of a formal investigation, the press release said.

The case was referred to the Alberta Public Prosecution Service in Calgary in April.

On August 27, prosecutors recommended charging Castillo and Hamzeh.

Castillo, a member of the EPS for ten years, is charged with assault with a weapon and assault.

Hamzeh, who has been with EPS for three years, is charged with assault.

After the criminal prosecution is completed, the Department of Professional Standards will initiate an investigation in accordance with the Police Service Regulations, the press release said.

Castillo and Hamzeh remain on duty “in non-patrol and non-supervisory positions,” police said.

EPS said it would not comment further as the matter is pending before the courts.