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The inquest into the Vancouver police killing of Myles Gray resumes today at 9 AM.
Scheduled are more of the cops who killed Myles Gray.
Cst. J. Wong
Cst. N. Thompson
Cst. G. Stokes
Cst. D. Cain
Follow the livestream
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/li…
#JusticeForMylesGray
Scheduled are more of the cops who killed Myles Gray.
Cst. J. Wong
Cst. N. Thompson
Cst. G. Stokes
Cst. D. Cain
Follow the livestream
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/li…
#JusticeForMylesGray
First witness is Cst J Wong.
Sworn into department March 2014
Was on duty in full uniform in unmarked vehicle.
Code 3 cover, dispatched to call.
Partner Thompson.
Could hear branches breaking, smacking.
Like physical altercation.
Saw Birzneck, Folkestad, Sahota fighting
Sworn into department March 2014
Was on duty in full uniform in unmarked vehicle.
Code 3 cover, dispatched to call.
Partner Thompson.
Could hear branches breaking, smacking.
Like physical altercation.
Saw Birzneck, Folkestad, Sahota fighting
With Myles.
Folkestad crawled towards him crying. Said Myles was very strong.
Myles was face up on back. Birzneck was beneath him.
Myles was bucking and bronking like a horse.
Wong took out the hobble. Meant to be used on ankles, near feet.
Received training at VPD tactical
Folkestad crawled towards him crying. Said Myles was very strong.
Myles was face up on back. Birzneck was beneath him.
Myles was bucking and bronking like a horse.
Wong took out the hobble. Meant to be used on ankles, near feet.
Received training at VPD tactical
Training center.
Had 40 caliber firearm, three clips, oc, handcuffs, hobble.
Not trained in less lethal tools. Had no less lethal tools. They call them tools contrasted with lethal weapons.
He had difficulty applying the hobble.
Sahota was exhausted, asked him to switch w/her
Had 40 caliber firearm, three clips, oc, handcuffs, hobble.
Not trained in less lethal tools. Had no less lethal tools. They call them tools contrasted with lethal weapons.
He had difficulty applying the hobble.
Sahota was exhausted, asked him to switch w/her
He switched with Sahota. She took position at feet or legs. Birzneck in same position.
Wong could feel Myles muscles pulsing and rippling.
Says he was super strong.
Assumed Myles was on performance enhancing drugs. Meth or cocaine. He was grunting and soaked in sweat.
Wong could feel Myles muscles pulsing and rippling.
Says he was super strong.
Assumed Myles was on performance enhancing drugs. Meth or cocaine. He was grunting and soaked in sweat.
Says again Myles was so strong. Says Myles rag dolled him.
He applied less than 5 knee strikes to Myles torso. 2-4. Below shoulder above hip.
Says these were ineffective.
Supposed to elicit pain stimulus but there was no sign of pain.
Fair to say he struck as hard as able.
He applied less than 5 knee strikes to Myles torso. 2-4. Below shoulder above hip.
Says these were ineffective.
Supposed to elicit pain stimulus but there was no sign of pain.
Fair to say he struck as hard as able.
All were beneath a big tree that spread like an umbrella.
Doesn't recall when Cst Thompson arrived. But his face was covered in blood.
Wong couldn't see anyone else around or the background.
Myles wrestled or grappled.
Myles tried to punch him with a haymaker. Wong references
Doesn't recall when Cst Thompson arrived. But his face was covered in blood.
Wong couldn't see anyone else around or the background.
Myles wrestled or grappled.
Myles tried to punch him with a haymaker. Wong references
A hockey fight.
Delivered 2-4 closed hand strikes to Myles face. Doesn't recall if they were as hard as he could.
Assessed situation he faced grievous bodily harm.
Says Myles was extremely violent person.
Says his closed hand strikes were ineffective. Claims again Myles
Delivered 2-4 closed hand strikes to Myles face. Doesn't recall if they were as hard as he could.
Assessed situation he faced grievous bodily harm.
Says Myles was extremely violent person.
Says his closed hand strikes were ineffective. Claims again Myles
Felt no pain.
Thinks Myles intended to mount him.
Sprawled. Full body weight on Myles.
Headlock?
Says Myles tried to take his baton.
Did not use choke or vascular neck restraint.
Defended his baton with right hand. First instinct.
Baton was already partially out.
Thinks Myles intended to mount him.
Sprawled. Full body weight on Myles.
Headlock?
Says Myles tried to take his baton.
Did not use choke or vascular neck restraint.
Defended his baton with right hand. First instinct.
Baton was already partially out.
Was running out of options so withdrew baton and struck Myles less than 5 but more than once.
Tried to hit as hard as he could. Had arm length momentum.
Says no signs of pain again.
Genuinely afraid Myles would beat him. Saw only Myles and himself.
No change in response to
Tried to hit as hard as he could. Had arm length momentum.
Says no signs of pain again.
Genuinely afraid Myles would beat him. Saw only Myles and himself.
No change in response to
Every strike.
Withdrew oc spray. Discharged at his face for 1-2 seconds. Again ineffective.
Myles was throwing him around like he was a small child.
Doesn't recall if Myles was moved from the tree.
Cst Cain and Spencer arrived near end.
Myles was handcuffed and shouting
Withdrew oc spray. Discharged at his face for 1-2 seconds. Again ineffective.
Myles was throwing him around like he was a small child.
Doesn't recall if Myles was moved from the tree.
Cst Cain and Spencer arrived near end.
Myles was handcuffed and shouting
Saying Johnny or Charlie.
Believes he held down Myles right elbow.
Says his vision was impaired with blur.
Myles lips started going white or blue. Cst Cain began first aid.
Says Myles was roaring like lion while fighting or like a battle roar.
No verbal sign of distress.
Believes he held down Myles right elbow.
Says his vision was impaired with blur.
Myles lips started going white or blue. Cst Cain began first aid.
Says Myles was roaring like lion while fighting or like a battle roar.
No verbal sign of distress.
Believes first aid brought him back to consciousness. Says he started flailing and shouting before passing away.
No paramedics up there at that point.
Cst Bowater arrived and assisted cpr.
Wong went to VPD to wait for association and lawyers.
No paramedics up there at that point.
Cst Bowater arrived and assisted cpr.
Wong went to VPD to wait for association and lawyers.
He was instructed by senior association rep not to make any notes.
After any file police officers make handwritten notes to help recall details.
Q. Anything looking back might have been beneficial to him. Tools, training? Anything?
Wong wishes they had body cameras.
After any file police officers make handwritten notes to help recall details.
Q. Anything looking back might have been beneficial to him. Tools, training? Anything?
Wong wishes they had body cameras.
Would have sped up the process of investigation.
Play 4 radio transmissions.
Asked to explain Code 3 HS.
Emergency Response for ambulance.
Donaldson. Asks about Myles appearance of injuries when Wong arrived.
Says he doesn't recall seeing any injuries.
Donaldson asks if
Play 4 radio transmissions.
Asked to explain Code 3 HS.
Emergency Response for ambulance.
Donaldson. Asks about Myles appearance of injuries when Wong arrived.
Says he doesn't recall seeing any injuries.
Donaldson asks if
He's leaving anything out on purpose. He says no.
Agrees a broken nose would leave blood all over the face.
Saw Birzneck bear hug. Doesn't recall vascular neck restraint.
Donaldson suggests he doesn't want to throw another officer under the bus.
A neck restraint would be
Agrees a broken nose would leave blood all over the face.
Saw Birzneck bear hug. Doesn't recall vascular neck restraint.
Donaldson suggests he doesn't want to throw another officer under the bus.
A neck restraint would be
Significant.
Says Myles was assaulting him. Myles was in process of tackling him to ground.
Doesn't recall who told him not to take notes.
Policy is to take notes. He followed association rather than VPD policies. Agrees to this.
This was on same day, prior to midnight
Says Myles was assaulting him. Myles was in process of tackling him to ground.
Doesn't recall who told him not to take notes.
Policy is to take notes. He followed association rather than VPD policies. Agrees to this.
This was on same day, prior to midnight
There were handful of association people present. Ralph Kaisers was there. On 7th floor VPD.
He insists he doesn't recall who.
Says he created a document somewhere and put on USB stick.
Uploaded to prime in March 2016.
Q. Was the document reviewed by others? Doesn't believe
He insists he doesn't recall who.
Says he created a document somewhere and put on USB stick.
Uploaded to prime in March 2016.
Q. Was the document reviewed by others? Doesn't believe
His statement refers to other officers statements.
Q. Why refer to them if he hadn't seen them?
Radio suggests Myles was unconscious and unresponsive 10 seconds after call that he was in custody. Could have been unresponsive when taken into custody.
Myles had
Q. Why refer to them if he hadn't seen them?
Radio suggests Myles was unconscious and unresponsive 10 seconds after call that he was in custody. Could have been unresponsive when taken into custody.
Myles had
Significant and profound injuries.
Wong disagrees there was a savage beating.
Q. Assumes you are concerned about the consequences of your actions?
Wong did not give statement to iio.
Officer lawyer objects. Says unfair.
Donaldson says iio head can answer questions.
Wong disagrees there was a savage beating.
Q. Assumes you are concerned about the consequences of your actions?
Wong did not give statement to iio.
Officer lawyer objects. Says unfair.
Donaldson says iio head can answer questions.
Donaldson suggests lack of forthrightness of the witness previously.
Coroner says no right to cross examine witness or have him incriminate himself.
Coroner says he'll step in in future.
Donaldson says Sahota did not ask for Code 3 cover based on radio.
He agrees.
Coroner says no right to cross examine witness or have him incriminate himself.
Coroner says he'll step in in future.
Donaldson says Sahota did not ask for Code 3 cover based on radio.
He agrees.
Nor in broadcast.
Q about hobble. Cst Wong says it was behind legs. Says he didn't get it on properly. Can't recall exactly how.
Says Myles was violently kicking.
Doesn't recall first non police responder he saw.
In first document he said he saw fire fighters.
Unsure of time
Q about hobble. Cst Wong says it was behind legs. Says he didn't get it on properly. Can't recall exactly how.
Says Myles was violently kicking.
Doesn't recall first non police responder he saw.
In first document he said he saw fire fighters.
Unsure of time
Donaldson asks about when Cst Wong held him down.
Q. Not suggesting he wasn't hobbled are you?
A. Can only speak to his actions. Good chance he was, but doesn't recall.
No mention in statement about Cain giving instructions not to kneel on head neck, or back.
Q. Not suggesting he wasn't hobbled are you?
A. Can only speak to his actions. Good chance he was, but doesn't recall.
No mention in statement about Cain giving instructions not to kneel on head neck, or back.
Doesn't recall seeing deep black eyes on Myles. But recalls white lips and skin color.
Break. Until 10:50.
Break. Until 10:50.
Resumes.
Cst Wong testifying.
Folkestad was whimpering when he encountered him.
That is not noted in statement.
Wong said he was inexperienced and had bad writing skills.
Unaware he could talk about how he thought and felt.
Donaldson says he's making that up right now.
Cst Wong testifying.
Folkestad was whimpering when he encountered him.
That is not noted in statement.
Wong said he was inexperienced and had bad writing skills.
Unaware he could talk about how he thought and felt.
Donaldson says he's making that up right now.
Says Folkestad was doing nothing at that time, only crawling and crying.
Calls Myles the violent and dangerous Mr Gray.
Q. You weren't struck and you didn't see myles strike anyone else.
A. Correct.
In statement there is no mention of Myles attempting to tackle him.
Calls Myles the violent and dangerous Mr Gray.
Q. You weren't struck and you didn't see myles strike anyone else.
A. Correct.
In statement there is no mention of Myles attempting to tackle him.
Coroner has to tell Cst Wong to answer the question.
Wong again says Myles was so strong.
Knee strikes to left upper torso.
Says Myles was then on hands and knees.
Q. Kneecstrike could have hit neck.
A. No.
Q. But you said you don't know where they hit.
Wong again says Myles was so strong.
Knee strikes to left upper torso.
Says Myles was then on hands and knees.
Q. Kneecstrike could have hit neck.
A. No.
Q. But you said you don't know where they hit.
Coroner interrupts to say family counsel is bordering on bullying.
Cst Wong says concern was to apply pain stimulus.
Used closed hand strikes to face.
No mention of Myles trying to land a haymaker like a hockey fight in Wong's statement.
Nothing about a tackle in statement.
Cst Wong says concern was to apply pain stimulus.
Used closed hand strikes to face.
No mention of Myles trying to land a haymaker like a hockey fight in Wong's statement.
Nothing about a tackle in statement.
Then got Myles in headlock.
Says Myles attempted double leg takedown like in Olympic wrestling.
Statement says felt duty belt being pulled at.
Wong administered multiple baton strikes. Less than 5.
Upper left arm between elbow and shoulder. As hard as he could at time.
Says Myles attempted double leg takedown like in Olympic wrestling.
Statement says felt duty belt being pulled at.
Wong administered multiple baton strikes. Less than 5.
Upper left arm between elbow and shoulder. As hard as he could at time.
Coroner admonishes gallery.
Wong takes out oc spray.
Close proximity. Couple of feet.
Wong agrees its a potent application.
Coroner interrupts again.
Q. After spray is he handcuffed and hobbled.
A. Can't remember the hobble.
Donaldson suggests officers restrained him.
Wong takes out oc spray.
Close proximity. Couple of feet.
Wong agrees its a potent application.
Coroner interrupts again.
Q. After spray is he handcuffed and hobbled.
A. Can't remember the hobble.
Donaldson suggests officers restrained him.
Q. You got medical attention for knee and indicated it was injured in dog pile.
A. Doesn't recall that term.
Joseph, officer lawyer.
Q. You can't recall how many strikes you delivered. Less than 5.
A. Correct.
Q. About baton not fully extended. Have to put momentum in.
A. Doesn't recall that term.
Joseph, officer lawyer.
Q. You can't recall how many strikes you delivered. Less than 5.
A. Correct.
Q. About baton not fully extended. Have to put momentum in.
Q. Is practice to note other officers regarding parts you can't remember?
A. Correct.
Q. Do fire or ambulance attend scenes not under control.
A. No.
Q. What is Hurry up cover?
A. Need cover now, not routine. In trouble, need help.
Radio "He's still fighting."
Missing dispatch
A. Correct.
Q. Do fire or ambulance attend scenes not under control.
A. No.
Q. What is Hurry up cover?
A. Need cover now, not routine. In trouble, need help.
Radio "He's still fighting."
Missing dispatch
In one document?
Juror 1. From training and experience. Has he administered hobble since the incident?
A. Yes.
Q. How do you properly apply it.
A. Control legs with body weight, take out hobble, keep tight with foot.
Q. You switched positions with Sahota. Thompson took hobbl
Juror 1. From training and experience. Has he administered hobble since the incident?
A. Yes.
Q. How do you properly apply it.
A. Control legs with body weight, take out hobble, keep tight with foot.
Q. You switched positions with Sahota. Thompson took hobbl
Q. At what point was Thompson in to hobble?
A. Don't recall.
Q. Before or after Sahota went to legs.
A. Could have been simultaneously.
Officer counsel intervenes.
Can't speak of corroboration.
Coroner says counsel are asking questions. Doesn't see need for jurors to revisit
A. Don't recall.
Q. Before or after Sahota went to legs.
A. Could have been simultaneously.
Officer counsel intervenes.
Can't speak of corroboration.
Coroner says counsel are asking questions. Doesn't see need for jurors to revisit
Testimony.
Coroner says pay attention to each testimony.
Q. Do you recall if hobble was secure when Sahota went to legs.
A. Can't recall.
A. Hobbled legs might have assisted.
Juror 3. What did he do prior to force?
A. University and life guard.
Q. How did he get into it.
Coroner says pay attention to each testimony.
Q. Do you recall if hobble was secure when Sahota went to legs.
A. Can't recall.
A. Hobbled legs might have assisted.
Juror 3. What did he do prior to force?
A. University and life guard.
Q. How did he get into it.
A. Family members.
Training 8 to 9 months.
Weight 170+ pounds.
Q. Why say he witnessed Myles pass away?
A. Saw him not regain consciousness.
Juror 4.
Q. Where on head did you hit him.
A. Face or forehead. Says he hurt his own hand.
Q. Rag doll.
A. Both on ground.
Training 8 to 9 months.
Weight 170+ pounds.
Q. Why say he witnessed Myles pass away?
A. Saw him not regain consciousness.
Juror 4.
Q. Where on head did you hit him.
A. Face or forehead. Says he hurt his own hand.
Q. Rag doll.
A. Both on ground.
A. He was way stronger than me.
Q. Statement writing. Issue of Folkestad description.
Is eyes watering different from crying?
A. Inexperienced at time.
Q. Water pouring from eyes. Did you think it was from pepper spray
A. All above.
Q. Why instructed not to take notes
Q. Statement writing. Issue of Folkestad description.
Is eyes watering different from crying?
A. Inexperienced at time.
Q. Water pouring from eyes. Did you think it was from pepper spray
A. All above.
Q. Why instructed not to take notes
A. No idea.
Q. Did that seem odd to you.
A. Yes.
Juror 5.
Q. Did oc affect you.
A. Yes.
Juror 4.
Q. When training is there course in statement writing.
A. Yes. Part of his training.
Coroner.
Q. Statement is global statement, generalization.
Q. Are notes general points
Q. Did that seem odd to you.
A. Yes.
Juror 5.
Q. Did oc affect you.
A. Yes.
Juror 4.
Q. When training is there course in statement writing.
A. Yes. Part of his training.
Coroner.
Q. Statement is global statement, generalization.
Q. Are notes general points
Q. Notes may not include all detail.
A. Made no handwritten notes.
Myles bahan flailing limbs attempted to stand up calling a name, when he regained consciousness.
Q. Can hobble loosen if not properly in place.
A. Yes.
Q. When tighten can it loosen.
A. Yes.
Joseph.
Q hobble
A. Made no handwritten notes.
Myles bahan flailing limbs attempted to stand up calling a name, when he regained consciousness.
Q. Can hobble loosen if not properly in place.
A. Yes.
Q. When tighten can it loosen.
A. Yes.
Joseph.
Q hobble
Donaldson intervenes.
Joseph reads from statement.
Coroner note to jury. Statements not provided to jury. Rely on testimony from witnesses.
Says to consider witness credibility.
Excuses Cst Wong.
Break until 1 AM.
Joseph reads from statement.
Coroner note to jury. Statements not provided to jury. Rely on testimony from witnesses.
Says to consider witness credibility.
Excuses Cst Wong.
Break until 1 AM.
1 PM
Resumes
Cst Thompson.
Thinks behavior of Myles was concerning at time of call.
Sahota sounded worried.
Says 2 types of responses. Without lights could take 20 minutes.
Sahota didn't ask lights and sirens.
Something in his guts told him they need to go lights and sirens.
Cst Thompson.
Thinks behavior of Myles was concerning at time of call.
Sahota sounded worried.
Says 2 types of responses. Without lights could take 20 minutes.
Sahota didn't ask lights and sirens.
Something in his guts told him they need to go lights and sirens.
Intensity scale 1 to 10?
He says 5.
Wanted to get there quick.
Concern then rose.
Hear yelling on radio. Could hear screaming, he believes from Myles.
Screaming unlike he's ever heard in his life. Had been to countless fights previously.
Says this pierced the air.
He says 5.
Wanted to get there quick.
Concern then rose.
Hear yelling on radio. Could hear screaming, he believes from Myles.
Screaming unlike he's ever heard in his life. Had been to countless fights previously.
Says this pierced the air.
Knew Birzneck and Folkestad were on scene.
Screaming became more and more pronounced.
Found location.
Could hear the screaming as soon as he exited car.
Eerie calm about the incident.
3 cops under tree (he says 3 people excludes Myles as a person).
Feels the pepper spray.
Screaming became more and more pronounced.
Found location.
Could hear the screaming as soon as he exited car.
Eerie calm about the incident.
3 cops under tree (he says 3 people excludes Myles as a person).
Feels the pepper spray.
**Not sure how it was calm given the struggle described by other officers**
Saw officers trying to restrain Myles arms.
Says no way to handcuff under a bush.
Got quick brief from 3 officers who had been there.
Plan to use a hobble and pull him out and handcuff.
Saw officers trying to restrain Myles arms.
Says no way to handcuff under a bush.
Got quick brief from 3 officers who had been there.
Plan to use a hobble and pull him out and handcuff.
Myles was prone facing west.
Briefed by Sahota and Birzneck. Mostly with Birzneck.
5 of them came up with the plan. His idea since he had a hobble.
Q. What was Myles state?
A. He could only see his back and arms.
Says Myles was very large stature. Could see the
Briefed by Sahota and Birzneck. Mostly with Birzneck.
5 of them came up with the plan. His idea since he had a hobble.
Q. What was Myles state?
A. He could only see his back and arms.
Says Myles was very large stature. Could see the
Striations in his muscles.
Like his muscles had muscles.
Says he was flexing.
His shouting was demonic. Primal.
He was so loud officers could hardly communicate.
Thompson says he saw no use of force when he arrived.
Says hobble plan was so simple.
Says thrashes and kicks
Like his muscles had muscles.
Says he was flexing.
His shouting was demonic. Primal.
He was so loud officers could hardly communicate.
Thompson says he saw no use of force when he arrived.
Says hobble plan was so simple.
Says thrashes and kicks
Became more and more violent.
Started to put hobble.
Says Myles put out gigantic kick. Caused Thompson to strike head on branches.
Trying to break free violently.
Q. What force did you deploy then?
A. Right away thought here's trying to overpower them. Kicked Myles 5x in legs
Started to put hobble.
Says Myles put out gigantic kick. Caused Thompson to strike head on branches.
Trying to break free violently.
Q. What force did you deploy then?
A. Right away thought here's trying to overpower them. Kicked Myles 5x in legs
Q. How hard.
A. As hard as I could.
Doesn't remember what other 4 officers were doing.
He claimed Myles lower body.
Ooda. Orient, direct, act.
Escalated force to intermediate weapon. Baton on ground, close proximity. Grabbed that. Hit him as hard as he could. Lower legs.
A. As hard as I could.
Doesn't remember what other 4 officers were doing.
He claimed Myles lower body.
Ooda. Orient, direct, act.
Escalated force to intermediate weapon. Baton on ground, close proximity. Grabbed that. Hit him as hard as he could. Lower legs.
Looked like his calf muscle split, parted and it didn't even affect him.
Baton in both hands like cross check in hockey.
Q. Was Baton fully extended.
A. He believes yes.
Sees Myles throw the most devastating haymaker punches. Thinks he'll have to break Myles wrist with baton
Baton in both hands like cross check in hockey.
Q. Was Baton fully extended.
A. He believes yes.
Sees Myles throw the most devastating haymaker punches. Thinks he'll have to break Myles wrist with baton
Hit him and it deformed, took unusual shapes.
Says this didn't phase Myles at all. Not even an "ouch."
Spencer and Cain then arrived.
He was tired. Looked at Folkestad.
Went back to trying to restrain Myles legs.
Handcuffs went on. Then priority was for Folkestad.
Says this didn't phase Myles at all. Not even an "ouch."
Spencer and Cain then arrived.
He was tired. Looked at Folkestad.
Went back to trying to restrain Myles legs.
Handcuffs went on. Then priority was for Folkestad.
Saw he believes Cain trying to revive Myles.
Deferred to newly arrived officers to take the upper body when still struggling.
Q. Who put hobble on?
A. Doesn't know. Usually one puts it on and another tightens it.
Doesn't remember if someone was taking care of the hobble then.
Deferred to newly arrived officers to take the upper body when still struggling.
Q. Who put hobble on?
A. Doesn't know. Usually one puts it on and another tightens it.
Doesn't remember if someone was taking care of the hobble then.
What were 2 new officers doing?
Didn't see at that point. Didn't see who applied handcuffs.
Q. What was Myles state?
A. Remembers demonic scream that was going on since he got there.
Then Cain rubbing his chest. Someone had him sitting and hitting his low back. To start breath?
Didn't see at that point. Didn't see who applied handcuffs.
Q. What was Myles state?
A. Remembers demonic scream that was going on since he got there.
Then Cain rubbing his chest. Someone had him sitting and hitting his low back. To start breath?
Only brief moment where ge even saw Myles face.
Shirtless and so vascular. All his veins and arteries were bulging from his biceps. Like his veins and arteries were trying to burst out.
Just wasn't normal.
Then, other cover members started arriving. Cst London and Bowater
Shirtless and so vascular. All his veins and arteries were bulging from his biceps. Like his veins and arteries were trying to burst out.
Just wasn't normal.
Then, other cover members started arriving. Cst London and Bowater
He was trying to console Folkestad.
Something important he says. Started calling for ambulance. Almost like brief moment pleading with dispatcher. He felt all alone.
Back to Joffre. Recognized a firefighter. That made him feel better.
Then ambulances arrived.
Didn't feel enoug
Something important he says. Started calling for ambulance. Almost like brief moment pleading with dispatcher. He felt all alone.
Back to Joffre. Recognized a firefighter. That made him feel better.
Then ambulances arrived.
Didn't feel enoug
Felt they needed ALS.
Tried to support Folkestad in ambulance.
Says he himself was in shock.
He went to VGH.
Told them report to 7 floor police station.
Peer support.
IIO were there. Brought in 1 at a time. Surrendered equipment.
Met with association rep.
Tried to support Folkestad in ambulance.
Says he himself was in shock.
He went to VGH.
Told them report to 7 floor police station.
Peer support.
IIO were there. Brought in 1 at a time. Surrendered equipment.
Met with association rep.
Critical Incident after that.
Remembers crying all the way home.
Next few days dissociated
Had lunch with someone.
Sunday met with department psychologist.
Then started his notes.
Talked with his wife.
Couldn't go into details with anyone.
Donaldson.
Thompson says
Remembers crying all the way home.
Next few days dissociated
Had lunch with someone.
Sunday met with department psychologist.
Then started his notes.
Talked with his wife.
Couldn't go into details with anyone.
Donaldson.
Thompson says
This was most extreme outcome.
Goes onto his own occupational stress history.
Thompson says he doesn't understand the term apprehensive.
Doesn't remember if it was hot. Or weather.
Confirms he struck his head on tree branch. Source of his cut.
Trying to process events.
Goes onto his own occupational stress history.
Thompson says he doesn't understand the term apprehensive.
Doesn't remember if it was hot. Or weather.
Confirms he struck his head on tree branch. Source of his cut.
Trying to process events.
Trying to come up with a plan.
Plan was he would try to get hobble on, pull him out.
Got part of hobble on. It was loose around his legs.
Got him partially out from under tree. No one on him at that point but holding him.
Thompson says he's struggling like a bucking bull
Plan was he would try to get hobble on, pull him out.
Got part of hobble on. It was loose around his legs.
Got him partially out from under tree. No one on him at that point but holding him.
Thompson says he's struggling like a bucking bull
At a rodeo.
Actively bucking and thrashing.
Q. About vascular neck hold. That makes it physically impossible not to struggle.
Still 5 officers.
Thompson doesn't know if Folkestad had him at that point.
His statement had said 5 tried to pull him out.
Q. About series of kicks
Actively bucking and thrashing.
Q. About vascular neck hold. That makes it physically impossible not to struggle.
Still 5 officers.
Thompson doesn't know if Folkestad had him at that point.
His statement had said 5 tried to pull him out.
Q. About series of kicks
Upper leg. Just above knee to hips.
Hard as he can.
Q about 2 ruptured testicles.
Thompson agrees it's likely he did that.
It had to be a hit in the groin.
Not part of training.
Q. That would cause a lot of pain.
A. Yes. He would be incapacitated but Myles was not.
Hard as he can.
Q about 2 ruptured testicles.
Thompson agrees it's likely he did that.
It had to be a hit in the groin.
Not part of training.
Q. That would cause a lot of pain.
A. Yes. He would be incapacitated but Myles was not.
Thompson doesn't fully agree with suggestions that thrashing was a result of receiving blows.
He never stood up. Thompson says he got awfully close.
Then baton strikes to lower leg.
Turned attention to wrist. Baton strikes. 2 Thompson says.
Had said series of strikes. Q.
He never stood up. Thompson says he got awfully close.
Then baton strikes to lower leg.
Turned attention to wrist. Baton strikes. 2 Thompson says.
Had said series of strikes. Q.
Q. Isn't a series at least 3?
A. From academy it usually takes more than 2.
From statement Cain and Spencer joined altercation.
Now 7 officers doing what was previously described.
Thompson still thinks it was only 5.
Didn't see Folkestad taking part then.
Doesn't know
A. From academy it usually takes more than 2.
From statement Cain and Spencer joined altercation.
Now 7 officers doing what was previously described.
Thompson still thinks it was only 5.
Didn't see Folkestad taking part then.
Doesn't know
What Cain or Spencer did.
Doesn't know number of cuffs. Says myles was very large individual.
Thompson says 80 to 90 percent sure it was 2 cuffs.
Didn't see visible injuries to Myles face.
Q. Face had serious injuries.
A. Can't speak to that. He was face down.
Doesn't know number of cuffs. Says myles was very large individual.
Thompson says 80 to 90 percent sure it was 2 cuffs.
Didn't see visible injuries to Myles face.
Q. Face had serious injuries.
A. Can't speak to that. He was face down.
Heard at street level Myles twice went into respiratory distress.
Thompson says it's complicated if Myles was still alive when he left.
Joseph, officer lawyer.
Thompson wore leather boots. Not steel insert.
Says again Myles wasn't responding to pain.
Posed more risk
Thompson says it's complicated if Myles was still alive when he left.
Joseph, officer lawyer.
Thompson wore leather boots. Not steel insert.
Says again Myles wasn't responding to pain.
Posed more risk
If standing.
IIO interview.
Asked by them if he spoke with other officers at hospital.
Thompson since trained for taser but had relinquished that.
Q. Would taser have been an option.
A. Doesn't think he would have used it.
It was his view it was excited delirium.
IIO interview.
Asked by them if he spoke with other officers at hospital.
Thompson since trained for taser but had relinquished that.
Q. Would taser have been an option.
A. Doesn't think he would have used it.
It was his view it was excited delirium.
Donaldson objects.
Coroner says they can't give diagnosis but can use the term and explain how they're using it.
Thompson says use of taser on someone in mental health crisis is high risk. Added risk of cardiac event.
It is also a higher level of force.
Tasrs were debated
Coroner says they can't give diagnosis but can use the term and explain how they're using it.
Thompson says use of taser on someone in mental health crisis is high risk. Added risk of cardiac event.
It is also a higher level of force.
Tasrs were debated
At that time.
Juror 1.
Q. Did he hear radio about hobble plan.
A. I was already on scene.
A. Role of supervisor is to do big picture. Supervisor couldn't give authority to use force. Up to individual officer.
Q. By law allowed to do certain actions.
Q. Did you verbalize
Juror 1.
Q. Did he hear radio about hobble plan.
A. I was already on scene.
A. Role of supervisor is to do big picture. Supervisor couldn't give authority to use force. Up to individual officer.
Q. By law allowed to do certain actions.
Q. Did you verbalize
To other officers what you were going to do.
A. Hard to hear over Myles screams.
Juror 2.
Q. We're you aware you hit Sahota.
A. Yes.
Thompson. The screaming was of nightmares.
Juror 3.
Juror 4.
Q. Excited delirium. What might have been cause of mental state.
A. Not a doctor
A. Hard to hear over Myles screams.
Juror 2.
Q. We're you aware you hit Sahota.
A. Yes.
Thompson. The screaming was of nightmares.
Juror 3.
Juror 4.
Q. Excited delirium. What might have been cause of mental state.
A. Not a doctor
Thought the screaming he heard on radio was caused by psychosis.
Works in mental health unit (incredible) and still never heard the screaming he heard that day.
Q. Who did he identify as 2 officers injured on radio.
A. Himself and Folkestad.
Q. So not Sahota.
A. No.
Works in mental health unit (incredible) and still never heard the screaming he heard that day.
Q. Who did he identify as 2 officers injured on radio.
A. Himself and Folkestad.
Q. So not Sahota.
A. No.
Q. Why wre your notes reviewed twice by your union?
A. Doesn't know.
Q. What's your understanding?
A. Changes were very minimal. Sentence structure.
Q. So union can make edits.
A. Complicated in his mind. Union rep was a lawyer. Took direction from them.
Juror 5.
Q. Sedation?
A. Doesn't know.
Q. What's your understanding?
A. Changes were very minimal. Sentence structure.
Q. So union can make edits.
A. Complicated in his mind. Union rep was a lawyer. Took direction from them.
Juror 5.
Q. Sedation?
A. Possibility. Not to subdue.
Not common.
In his mental health role now, as soon as they are restrained sedation and to hospital.
Coroner Q.
Call for ALS was made from Joffre.
A. ALS has sedation protocol.
Q about haymaker punches and Myles positioning.
A. On his back
Not common.
In his mental health role now, as soon as they are restrained sedation and to hospital.
Coroner Q.
Call for ALS was made from Joffre.
A. ALS has sedation protocol.
Q about haymaker punches and Myles positioning.
A. On his back
Q. Taser. While you were there would there have been a y opportunity to use it.
A. Yes.
In his perception a lot of the struggle was about trying to keep him down.
Q. Subject officer.
A. Your actions are being investigated. One put on trial. One looked into.
Witness officer not.
A. Yes.
In his perception a lot of the struggle was about trying to keep him down.
Q. Subject officer.
A. Your actions are being investigated. One put on trial. One looked into.
Witness officer not.
Donaldson. Has 4 or 5 questions.
Q. Created statement document. After coordination with association officer.
Thompson says may have been direction from Sidhu while in ambulance.
Q. Direction from Stamatakis.
A. Yes.
He confirms he did as directed by others.
Excused.
Q. Created statement document. After coordination with association officer.
Thompson says may have been direction from Sidhu while in ambulance.
Q. Direction from Stamatakis.
A. Yes.
He confirms he did as directed by others.
Excused.
Break. Until 3:40.
Resumes at 3:56.
Cst. Gordon Stokes.
Police officer for 20 years.
At the time he was a school liaison officer.
Was on his way home monitoring radio. Heard the call, attended as cover.
While on way heard radio from scene that officers were fighting and some injured.
Cst. Gordon Stokes.
Police officer for 20 years.
At the time he was a school liaison officer.
Was on his way home monitoring radio. Heard the call, attended as cover.
While on way heard radio from scene that officers were fighting and some injured.
He is a bean bag operator.
Bean bag shotgun. He calls it "less than lethal." That's untrue, they have been lethal.
Bean bag shotgun. He calls it "less than lethal." That's untrue, they have been lethal.
His recollection is officers were struggling and as he arrived they had Myles in custody.
On stairway recognized Folkestad.
Had red, swollen face. Guarding head with hand.
Other officer had some cut to his face from eyebrows down.
Brought them to area near police cars.
On stairway recognized Folkestad.
Had red, swollen face. Guarding head with hand.
Other officer had some cut to his face from eyebrows down.
Brought them to area near police cars.
Q. Did you go see other officers?
A. Yes went up the steps to where other officers were. Assessed them.
Saw injuries on Birzneck around neck. Marks of lanyard chain.
Saw Myles in custody. Didn't know by name.
Q. What you saw.
A. Individual in custody on left side double cuffed
A. Yes went up the steps to where other officers were. Assessed them.
Saw injuries on Birzneck around neck. Marks of lanyard chain.
Saw Myles in custody. Didn't know by name.
Q. What you saw.
A. Individual in custody on left side double cuffed
With hobbles, in recovery position.
Q. Sense if his control.
A. Well under control. Still struggling.
Someone was controlling the hobble "textbook."
Officer at feet, back, head, abdominal. All kneeling except one at feet.
A. Myles was breathing fast, kicking feet, grunting
Q. Sense if his control.
A. Well under control. Still struggling.
Someone was controlling the hobble "textbook."
Officer at feet, back, head, abdominal. All kneeling except one at feet.
A. Myles was breathing fast, kicking feet, grunting
Pulling at hand restraints.
Once he was not required he returned to roadside.
Says he could make out no injuries to Myles at all (incredible).
Once he was not required he returned to roadside.
Says he could make out no injuries to Myles at all (incredible).
Sometime later he saw chest compressions.
Ambulance workers said they were looking for someone in cardiac arrest. Went with them, saw chest compressions.
Went back down.
Q. Did you take notes
A. Yes
Q. Interviewed by iio
A. Yes
Has notebook with him.
Donaldson.
Ambulance workers said they were looking for someone in cardiac arrest. Went with them, saw chest compressions.
Went back down.
Q. Did you take notes
A. Yes
Q. Interviewed by iio
A. Yes
Has notebook with him.
Donaldson.
Suggests Myles was on his stomach not recovery position.
Stokes disagrees.
Fire arrived 10 minutes after Stokes.
Campbell (fire) designated his officers to treat Myles.
Says the officer informed him not to go up to the scene because "suspect was combative."
Stokes disagrees.
Fire arrived 10 minutes after Stokes.
Campbell (fire) designated his officers to treat Myles.
Says the officer informed him not to go up to the scene because "suspect was combative."
Donaldson again suggests Myles was not in recovery position. On stomach, face in grass.
Stokes had seen Cain and Birzneck.
Stokes believed to control was satisfactory. Hobbled, handcuffed.
Observed 15 or 20 seconds. Says it was obvious he was breathing. Could see chest rise
Stokes had seen Cain and Birzneck.
Stokes believed to control was satisfactory. Hobbled, handcuffed.
Observed 15 or 20 seconds. Says it was obvious he was breathing. Could see chest rise
And fall.
Again says he saw no injuries.
Joseph, officer counsel.
Clarify, was he still on duty.
A. Yes, in full uniform.
Most his career was on even side of department. Different days on and off than the responding officers.
Birney told him the badge "fell down."
Again says he saw no injuries.
Joseph, officer counsel.
Clarify, was he still on duty.
A. Yes, in full uniform.
Most his career was on even side of department. Different days on and off than the responding officers.
Birney told him the badge "fell down."
Not sure when he brought the fire captain up.
Q. Remember Myles appearance, shirt.
A. No shirt, can't remember footwear. Sweaty.
Officers foot on ground stabilizing hobble.
Heard some conversation. Reassurance it was over and ambulance was coming.
Juror 1.
Q. Remember Myles appearance, shirt.
A. No shirt, can't remember footwear. Sweaty.
Officers foot on ground stabilizing hobble.
Heard some conversation. Reassurance it was over and ambulance was coming.
Juror 1.
Stokes recalls taking firefighter not paramedic.
Q. Where were you when radioed for ALS?
A. When coming back down.
Juror 2.
A. Went with captain second time. Had earlier said uncertain. Now says may have been up 3 times. Previously said went up alone first time.
Q. Where were you when radioed for ALS?
A. When coming back down.
Juror 2.
A. Went with captain second time. Had earlier said uncertain. Now says may have been up 3 times. Previously said went up alone first time.
Juror 4.
Q. Breathing fast and unobtrusive. Is it possible he was hyperventilating?
A. It was consistent and fast. Consistent with having been in struggle. Hyperventilating is a possibility. He wasn't there long enough to assess.
Juror 1.
Q. Is it part of his
Q. Breathing fast and unobtrusive. Is it possible he was hyperventilating?
A. It was consistent and fast. Consistent with having been in struggle. Hyperventilating is a possibility. He wasn't there long enough to assess.
Juror 1.
Q. Is it part of his
Assessment.
A. First assessment is to look after fellow officers. Didn't occur to him to assess Myles.
Not his primary duty. Assess other cops is his duty.
Q. Did he see Birzneck at road?
A. Birzneck at upper level all or most of time in his recollection.
Coroner.
A. First assessment is to look after fellow officers. Didn't occur to him to assess Myles.
Not his primary duty. Assess other cops is his duty.
Q. Did he see Birzneck at road?
A. Birzneck at upper level all or most of time in his recollection.
Coroner.
How close to Myles.
A. About 8 feet.
Flexed his muscle against restraint. Grunting like somebody in a gym lifting weights.
Cst Stokes excused.
Last scheduled witness excused until tomorrow.
A. About 8 feet.
Flexed his muscle against restraint. Grunting like somebody in a gym lifting weights.
Cst Stokes excused.
Last scheduled witness excused until tomorrow.
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