Calgary police officer charged in break and enter of ex-wife's house

A Calgary police officer is facing charges after allegedly breaking into the home of his estranged wife and takingproperty on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Bob Ritchie told reporters Friday evening.

"Any time that an officer is charged criminally it does impact public trust and accountability but we want to be mindful that this is the first step in a judicial process," Ritchie said.

"And I have complete confidence in the court's ability to determine innocence or guilt."

The 33-year-oldofficer with eight years of service is alleged to have loaded the property onto a truck when police were called and an arrest was made. No one was home at the time.

He was released pending further investigation, but re-arrested Friday.

He has been charged with break and enter with intent, property mischief and two counts of breaching a court order.

Ritchie says the officer was not on active duty at the time.

"This officer was on a self-initiated leave dating back to the latter part of 2015," he said.

The officer's name won't be released to protect the identity ofthe alleged victim in this domestic matter and not violate employee confidentiality,Ritchieadded.

• Anthony Heffernan, Dave McQueen both shot by same Calgary police officer
• RCMP officers safe after attempted hit-and-run in High River