3 Vancouver police officers facing criminal charges in connection with 2017 arrest of cyclist without helmet

Three Vancouver Police officers involved in the 2017 arrest of a male cyclist who sustained serious injuries are now facing criminal charges, according to the B.C. Crown Prosecution Service.

In a statement Friday, the Crown saidcharges of assault and assault causing bodily harm were sworn againstthe three officers in provincial court in Vancouver on Sept. 23.

VPD Const. Brandon Blue facesone charge ofassault causing bodily harm, alongside constables Beau Spencer and Gregory Jackson, who each face a chargeofassault in connection with theincident, it said.

In an earlier statement, the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.said the cyclist was injured May 24,when he attempted to get away after police stopped him for riding without a helmet, lights or reflectorsnear the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station.

TheIIOBC, which began investigating the incidentmore than two years ago, saidthe cyclist sustained serious injuries that night, but declined to describe them, sayingthe matter was before Crown counsel.

Charges delayed

In the statement, Crown wrote that the process of laying charges was significantly delayedin this case due to the "complexity of the issues" and the sheer volume of information disclosed.

The three officers will make their first appearancein court in Vancouveron Oct. 25.

Prosecutors said theywouldnot be releasing any further information as the matter is now before the courts.