Const. Chris Messer reaches tentative agreement with Saint John police

Embattled Saint John police officer Chris Messer could soon be back on the job.

Messer has confirmed to CBC News that a tentative settlement in his case has been worked out between police department management and the police union.

It must still be approved the city's police commission at its monthly meeting on May 5.

No details about the tentative agreement have been revealed.

In January, an assault charge against Messer was stayed by a Court of Queen's Bench judge. That decision cleared the constable of criminal charges for the first time since his ordeal began in late 2010.

But he was still facing a Police Act hearing.

Messer's original charge and suspension followed complaints from two men who alleged frightening encounters with the officer, while they were being investigated for a break-in at his west-side home.

In 2012, he was convicted of assault and threatening behaviour toward the men. That decision was later appealed and was stayed by Court of Queens Bench Justice Judy Clendenning in the course of a retrial.

Messer told CBC News on Wednesday night he is still looking for answers about his file and the case that was built against him.

In February, the city police union called for a public inquiry into the matter.