(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

By Sheldon Spackman

June 2023 Incident

12 months probation for local lawyer charged in altercation with Mounties

Jul 12, 2024 | 1:08 PM

A criminal defence lawyer from Red Deer has been sentenced to 12 months of probation for her part in an altercation with Innisfail Mounties last year.

This, after Laura Elizabeth Phypers, 38, plead guilty recently to one count of assault/intent resist arrest in Red Deer Court of Justice. Counts of resisting a peace officer and threats causing death/bodily harm were withdrawn.

Co-accused, Desiree Reanne Friesen, 25, is scheduled for her next court appearance in Red Deer Court of Justice on July 25, 2024.

It was on June 3, 2023, when Mounties say an Innisfail RCMP officer was conducting patrols near the Innisfail Hospital when he observed a speeding black truck drive through a stop sign. Police say a traffic stop was initiated and a subsequent investigation ensued as the driver was suspected of being impaired by alcohol.

RCMP say the officer further suspected the driver and passenger were both intoxicated, and claimed the vehicle’s occupants were belligerent and verbally aggressive with the officer. Mounties say the driver was arrested for refusal to provide a breath sample and was also accused of refusing to exit the vehicle. When police attempted to remove the driver, police say the passenger grabbed the driver to prevent her from being arrested.

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The driver was eventually removed from the vehiclem and according to police, the passenger then exited the vehicle and approached police in a fighting stance and threatened the member’s life.

Mounties say the driver physically assaulted the member while he was attempting to bring both suspects under control. RCMP say the officer and the passenger both sustained injuries during the altercation.

As a result of the investigation, Desiree Friesen, a resident of Red Deer, was charged with:

• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• Assault Peace Officer;
• Resist Arrest; and
• Provincial refuse breath demand.

Laura Phypers, also a resident of Red Deer, was charged with:

• Assault Peace Officer;
• Obstruct Peace Officer; and
• Uttering threats.

Related: Trial date scheduled in alleged altercation during Innisfail traffic stop

Related: Officer and suspect injured following altercation during Innisfail traffic stop

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