Independent media needs you. Join the Tyee.

The Hook: Political news, freshly caught

Cop critic Byers watched VPD soothe suicidal man

An election linked ride-along with Vancouver police last week gave Vancouver Centre NDP candidate Michael Byers a chance to see VPD officers save the life of a suicidal young man at a local casino, he told The Tyee.

“I asked to ride along because I wanted to see my potential riding from every possible perspective,” said Byers, a international law expert based at UBC and board member of the BC Civil Liberties Association, “but this was more dramatic than anything I expected.”

Byers said the patrol car he rode in was called to a local casino where a young man in his twenties “was obviously having the worst day of his life. He had lost an enormous amount of money gambling and he’d suffered a relationship break up the same day. He was agitated and in despair, calling out to the officers to shoot him.”

After an hour of tense discussions with the potential suicide, the VPD officers were able to de-escalate the situation and get the young man off to a hospital for medical attention, Byer said.

Byers, who has been a critic of police practices in the past, said the real life drama left him very impressed with the compassion and professionalism of the VPD constables involved.

“I am an expert in international diplomacy, and I have had an opportunity to observe some of the best diplomats in the world at work. These VPD officers turned a potentially lethal situation around and saved this young man’s life, displaying diplomatic skills and human compassion that made me proud of them.”


What have we missed? What do you think? We want to know. Comment below. Keep in mind:

Do:

  • Verify facts, debunk rumours
  • Add context and background
  • Spot typos and logical fallacies
  • Highlight reporting blind spots
  • Ignore trolls
  • Treat all with respect and curiosity
  • Connect with each other

Do not:

  • Use sexist, classist, racist or homophobic language
  • Libel or defame
  • Bully or troll
  • Troll patrol. Instead, flag suspect activity.
comments powered by Disqus