Vancouver rundown for Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Seven Vancouver police officers will soon face a public disciplinary hearing
centered on their parts in the beating death of a 33-year-old man during a mental health crisis.
Miles Gray died outside an East Vancouver home in 2015
after police were called to reports of a man behaving erratically.
The Independent Investigations Office found three of the seven officers
should face charges of manslaughter, aggravated assault, and assault causing bodily harm.
However, charges were never laid even though a coroner's inquest also found the death was a homicide.
The new police complaints commissioner has now ordered a public hearing so a retired judge can reassess the case.
Other news, a 30-year-old man has now been charged in October's triple stabbing at the Starlight Casino in New Westminster.
Pamveer Singh Sahota has been released from custody until his next court date.
He's charged with aggravated assault in connection with the late-night stabbings at the casino back on October 26.
The Surrey Board of Trade is demanding urgent government action to curb what it calls an escalation in copper thefts.
That comes even though police stats indicate a 73% drop in copper wire theft since 2018.
The Board of Trade says copper theft is not just an economic crime but also a threat to public safety.
It notes phone lines, electric grids, and even transportation systems can be affected.
The board wants enhanced enforcement and stronger penalties for thieves.
A track issue is being blamed for major West Coast Express delays Wednesday afternoon.
Commuters using the train had to hop on buses due to closures at stations in Petmetals and Maple Ridge.
Commuters heading to Mission were not affected.
Showers in the forecast for Thursday afternoon rain on Friday, rain and gusty winds for Saturday.
For all the details on these local Vancouver area stories along with those links go to vancouverrundown.substack.com