The independent Vancouver Police Department investigation into allegations that two Transit Police officers assaulted a 27 year old man on February 9th, 2012, at the Granville Skytrain Station has concluded with charges being laid by Crown Counsel.
At around 6:30 p.m. on February 9th, two Transit Police officers approached a 27 year old man who was sitting on the Seymour Street steps to the Granville Skytrain station to check on his welfare after overhearing that a man matching the description was allegedly in some kind of distress. The officers began speaking with the man and it is alleged that the two officers physically assaulted the man and pepper-sprayed him after he attempted to walk away.
After reviewing and investigating the actions of the officers, the Transit Police asked the Vancouver Police Department to conduct a criminal investigation.
After a thorough and lengthy investigation, Vancouver Police Professional Standards investigators concluded that there were reasonable grounds to believe an assault-related criminal offence was committed by the members of the Transit Police in relation to this incident and a report was forwarded to Crown Counsel for review. Crown Counsel has now formally laid charges against the two officers.
Alfred Wong and Bruce Shipley, both constables with the Transit Police, have been charged with one count each of assault.
