Pubdate: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 Source: Edmonton Journal (CN AB) Copyright: 2006 The Edmonton Journal Contact: http://www.canada.com/edmonton/edmontonjournal/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/134 Author: Trish Audette, The Edmonton Journal SELF-DESCRIBED DRUG DEALER SUING POLICE FOR $110,000 EDMONTON - Det. Gerard Vercammen, a 28-year veteran of the Edmonton Police Service now on trial for misusing his firearm, is one of six people named in a $110,000 lawsuit launched last month. Like Vercammen's ongoing criminal trial, the suit stems from a March 1, 2004, encounter in which Vercammen shot at Robert Archie Cormier four times. Cormier was not injured in the shooting. Cormier is suing for $100,000 in general damages and $10,000 in special damages. Cormier, 32, for whom there were a number of arrest warrants, had sprayed bear repellent at Vercammen and three other officers. He has said he did not realize he was dealing with officers who had entered his home, at 128th Avenue and 126th Street, because they did not present a warrant, and two of three were not wearing uniforms. In a statement of claim filed Feb. 28, Cormier said he was "protecting himself and his family." The suit also names Det. James Elkow, Det. Bill Clark and Const. Mitch Agar -- as having gone to Cormier's home with Vercammen in 2004. Const. Doug Korek is also identified, and the statement of claim charges he got a key to Cormier's residence from Cormier's landlord under false pretenses. Former police chief Fred Rayner is also named in the suit because "the other defendants were under his direction and control." Edmonton police spokesman Jeff Wuite said it would be irresponsible to comment on the lawsuit before the court. Twelve of 13 charges laid against Cormier, who has described himself as a drug dealer in connection with the events of March 1, 2004, were withdrawn by the Crown last year. He was sentenced to a single day in jail on one count of robbery. Cormier is being represented in the lawsuit by Edmonton lawyer Tom Engel. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek