Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu may have compromised an investigation into the fatal shooting of a homeless man last month, according to a complaint filed by Pivot Legal Society today.
On March 20, two police officers approached Michael Vann Hubbard in downtown Vancouver, suspecting his involvement in a car break-in.
The 58-year-old man was shot down by a single bullet after he drew an X-Acto knife and advanced quickly towards them, according to Chu's account.
An investigation into the death is being handled by the Abbotsford Police Department.
On March 28, Chief Chu sent a widely distributed email to VPD staff expressing regret about the incident. The memo was reprinted in the Vancouver Sun.
“…it would not be appropriate for me to prejudge the findings of the external investigation by commenting on my view of the evidence I am familiar with,” Chu wrote. “However, I do believe it is appropriate to advise you of that evidence which is incontrovertible, as it was captured by good quality video.”
The evidence in question is surveillance footage of the shooting which supports the claim that police fired at Vann Hubbard in self defence, according to Chu. A witness on the scene captured the confrontation on his cell-phone and contends the homeless man did not act aggressively.
Officers confiscated the cell phone and deleted the amateur video, he said.
Today’s Pivot complaint accuses Chu of sharing information that could bias the statements of police called before the Abbotsford police inquiry.
“Details of key evidence in an investigation, and opinions regarding the interpretation of that evidence, should not be shared with officers under investigation who must later give a statement or testify in a proceeding related to that incident,” reads the statement. It was signed by Pivot lawyer Paul Nigol, who is representing Vann Hubbard’s family in a civil action against the VPD.
“Chief of Vancouver Police Jim Chu has undermined an ongoing investigation and public confidence in the police,” it reads.
Geoff Dembicki is a staff reporter for The Hook.
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VicRK
2 years ago
Pivot praises Chu on one
Pivot praises Chu on one day, criticizes him the next. They should work on their outrage sometimes to maintain credibility.
Kam Lee
2 years ago
Potential Coverup
I find the e-mail sent by Jim Chu to be very directed in its content. It seems to me that there is a constant maneuvering by the police to be shown and perceived in the correct or better light. Maybe it is time for a citizen driven committee to be formed, and maybe there will be a clearer picture for all to see.
Wilfred Laurier
2 years ago
Oversight
The VPD is the only major city police force in Canada without civilian oversight. In fact this is the only province where the police investigate themselves in cases of alleged wrongdoing. Finally, the VPD has the lowest complaint clearance rate in Canada. All these things are items for great concern. What is happening is the misdeed and unprofessional behaviour has so undermined their relationship with the community that they cannot get the cooperation they need to solve major cases. The Picton debacle immediately comes to mind.
If anything, the Braidwood inquiry shows the immediate need for effective civilian oversight over all police agencies in this province. It is long overdue and will serve to increase professionalism of police agencies, reinforce their position in the community and lead to more effective policing.
Chu's email shows exactly the opinion of the VDP; deny, stonew2all and protect your own before protecting the public,