Three Vancouver police officers charged with assault in connection with 2017 arrest

Assault charges have been approved against three Vancouver police officers in connection with an arrest of a suspect in May 2017.

Const. Brandon Blue has been charged with assault causing bodily harm. Constables Beau Spencer and Gregory Jackson have been charged with assault.

2:06 Conduct of VPD members under investigation after actions caught on camera by bystander

B.C.’s police watchdog said a man suffered serious injuries following an altercation with police on May 24, 2017.

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. said police tried to stop a man for riding a bike with no helmet, lights, or suitable reflectors. Police reported the man suffered serious injuries during his subsequent arrest near the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station.

The IIO forwarded a report to Crown in February 2019.
“The charge assessment process in this case was significantly delayed due to the complexity of the issues, the volume of initial disclosure, BCPS requests for further information, and subsequent receipt of additional disclosure,” the BC Prosecution Service said in a statement.

The prosecution service added that charges were approved by a Crown counsel with no connection with the officers.

The officers are scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 25.