A man charged with six counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting in Yaletown in the summer has pleaded not guilty in a Vancouver provincial court this morning.
Gerald Battersby is accused of shooting Paul Dragan, the owner of Reckless Bikes, and exchanging gunfire with five police officers.
The 52-year-old Dragan was shot on a sidewalk in front of the Starbucks on Davie Street and Marinaside Crescent on June 10.
Battersby was a former tenant and employee of Dragan’s.
READ MORE: Exclusive: Yaletown shooting victim talks about his miraculous recovery
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson issued a statement after the shooting, which occurred in the middle of the day on a busy street:
“We owe tremendous thanks for the courage and fast action shown by all Vancouver Police officers who responded today to keep our city safe. This incident was a brazen attack in broad daylight, and gun violence of any kind will not be tolerated in the City of Vancouver. Today’s events underscore the need to keep supporting the important work that Chief Jim Chu and the VPD have been doing to reduce violent crime and keep our communities safe from gun crime.
“I know this has been very upsetting for the many people who witnessed the attack, and for those who live and work in the neighbourhood. My thoughts are with the victim, the injured officer, and their friends and families during this difficult time.”
One of the police officers was injured by flying glass and was treated for minor injuries.
WATCH: Battersby’s former court appearance:
~ with files from Amy Judd
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