No charges against Vancouver police after gunfire exchange: justice branch

VICTORIA – B.C.’s Criminal Justice Branch says no charges will be laid against Vancouver police officers after a running gun battle resulted in numerous shots hitting businesses, a tourist attraction and a suspect.

The gunfight began in the city’s Yaletown district in June last year when police were called to a report of one man shooting another in front of a coffee shop.

The suspect got away on a bicycle and was followed by several officers who exchanged numerous rounds until they arrived at the Science World building and the suspect ended up with seven bullet wounds.

An assessment of the case by a senior prosecutor focused on the potential for charges of careless use of a firearm and the potential for collateral injury from gunfire in an urban setting.

But the branch announced Wednesday that based on the available evidence, there is no foundation to prove that any officers were unjustified in using such force.

Gerald Battersby faces several charges including attempted murder over allegations he shot his former employer and then led police on a chase through part of the city.