VPD officer cleared in shooting death of Paul Boyd

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A special prosecutor has cleared a Vancouver Police officer in the shooting of Paul Boyd six years ago.

“The special prosecutor has concluded it would not possible to prove the officer had committed a criminal offence, particularly taking into account a viable defence of self defence was available to the officer,” explains Neil Mackenzie with the Criminal Justice Branch.

In a statement to the media, Chief Cst. Jim Chu says a police officer never goes to work intending to take someone’s life and that this incident was difficult and sad for everyone involved. “As I have from the beginning of this tragic incident, I would like to once again extend our sincere regrets and condolences to the Boyd family for their loss.”

Boyd was shot to death after a standoff with police near Granville and 16th in August 2007.

The decision is despite new video evidence that prompted another look at the case.

But now that the final chapter on the criminal side is closed, the B.C. Civil Liberties Association says many questions will remain unanswered.

“Why was it that when other officers were yelling hold your fire, the officer took the final kill shot? Why was it that this man was killed, when he had already been disarmed by police,” says Josh Patterson, with the association.

He says both he and the family aren’t happy with the outcome.

“We find it quite disappointing, there’s not going to be justice.”

He notes Boyd was unarmed at the time.

“It’s hard to believe that any threat to police could have been posed at the time.”

The family could still pursue civil action.

He says police in all of BC need better training in dealing with escalating situations.

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