A Vancouver police officer who could lose his job over allegations of misconduct related to a car chase in 2011 that ended in a collision has been granted a public hearing.
Const. Christopher Charters requested the public hearing Feb. 13 after an internal disciplinary proceeding by the Vancouver Police Department recommended he be fired from the force.
The recommendation related to a finding of one count of deceit under the Police Act which alleged Charters made false or misleading written statements not consistent with previous oral statements or physical evidence related to the pursuit and collision.
The incident dates back to Dec. 26, 2011 when police observed a 1997 Jeep Cherokee at 2:12 a.m. travelling at a high rate of speed near Commercial Drive and East Eighth Avenue.
The Jeep’s speed and direction of travel was broadcast over the police radio. Two minutes after the broadcast, acting-sergeant Leslie Weeks said there would be no pursuit of the vehicle.
Five minutes later, Charters broadcast over the police radio that his vehicle had been rammed by the suspect’s Jeep at Rupert Street and Kingsway.
“Information contained in the [Police Records Information Management Environment] report indicates that on three occasions, acting-sergeant Weeks broadcast that there was to be no pursuit of the suspect vehicle and after one of the broadcasts, constable Charters acknowledged acting-sergeant Weeks’ instructions,” said a report authored by Police Complaint Commissioner Stan Lowe released Monday.
A subsequent VPD investigation revealed the collision could not have occurred as reported by Charters. The evidence showed Charters’ vehicle hit the Jeep on the rear driver’s side, Lowe said in his report.
“The allegations in this case are inextricably woven and, therefore, I am of the view that a new hearing with respect to all allegations is necessary for a fair and thorough examination of the allegations against Const. Charters,” Lowe said.
The VPD investigation also alleged Charters was guilty of neglect of duty and recommended a penalty of a two-day suspension without pay, which would be irrelevant if the final outcome is the loss of his job.
The suspect was captured by police after he abandoned the Jeep and charged with several offences. Lowe didn’t indicate the status of the suspect's court proceedings but noted Charters’ story of being intentionally rammed by the driver resulted in a charge of assault with a weapon against the man.
No date has been set for the hearing.
Meanwhile, the Independent Investigations Office announced Tuesday that it forwarded two VPD files to Crown counsel because Chief Civilian Director Richard Rosenthal believes officers may have committed an offence.
In one case, a man suffered bite injuries from a police dog during an incident near Slocan and Ward streets on Oct. 7, 2013. The man required medical attention in hospital for his injuries.
In the other case, a woman was struck by a police vehicle near Scotia Street and Second Avenue on Nov. 14, 2013. She also required treatment for her injuries in hospital.
It’s now up to Crown to decide whether charges — and what type — are warranted. To approve charges, Crown must believe there is a substantial likelihood of conviction based on the evidence and determine if prosecution is in the public interest.
mhowell@vancourier.com
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