RCMP Sergeant Details Officer Injuries During Fatal Myles Gray Arrest
Two Vancouver police officers sustained injuries during the violent arrest of Myles Gray in 2015, according to testimony presented at a public hearing into his death. The details emerged during the third day of an inquest that is examining the circumstances surrounding Gray's fatal encounter with law enforcement.
Testimony Reveals Specific Injuries to Officers
RCMP Sergeant Robert Nash testified that Constable Kory Folkestad reported two officers had been hurt during the confrontation. One officer suffered a possible jaw injury while another sustained a bleeding head wound that required medical attention. These injuries occurred during what has been described as a violent takedown of Gray, who died shortly after being subdued by multiple officers.
Background of the Police Investigation
Sergeant Nash authored a comprehensive 278-page report in 2022 following a police investigation into potential misconduct by the seven officers involved in the incident. The inquest was initiated at the request of Gray's family through the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, coming after the officers were cleared of misconduct in 2024 following an internal disciplinary hearing.
Radio Communications Paint Picture of Chaotic Scene
During Wednesday's proceedings, radio communications between officers and dispatch were played for the hearing. The recordings revealed:
- Constable Hardeep Sahota, the first officer to arrive, requested immediate backup due to Gray's aggressive behavior
- Constable Josh Wong could be heard stating that "the male was still fighting" at least three times during the encounter
- Constable Eric Birzneck later reported that Gray had become unresponsive and was no longer fighting
- Constable Derek Cain suggested that sedation protocol would be necessary if Gray regained consciousness
Context of the Original Incident
The fatal encounter occurred on August 13, 2015, near Joffre Avenue and Marine Drive at the Vancouver-Burnaby boundary. Police responded to a 911 call about an agitated man who had sprayed a woman with a garden hose. According to previous testimony from Muhammed Reza, whose mother was the woman sprayed, Gray used vulgar language, made inappropriate comments, and mumbled incoherently before the police arrived.
Severity of Gray's Injuries
Myles Gray, who was 33 years old at the time of his death, sustained extensive injuries during the arrest. Medical evidence indicates he suffered:
- A ruptured testicle
- Fractures of his eye socket and nose
- A fractured voice box
- Multiple rib fractures
Gray lost consciousness while handcuffed and died at the scene. The inquest is examining whether the force used during his arrest was appropriate given the circumstances.
Structure and Scope of the Ongoing Inquest
The public hearing is scheduled to continue for ten weeks and will hear testimony from approximately 33 witnesses. Sergeant Nash is the first police officer to testify before the inquiry. Notably, the officers involved cannot be compelled to testify at the proceedings. Adjudicator Elizabeth Arnold-Bailey, a retired British Columbia Supreme Court judge, will ultimately determine whether the officers committed misconduct.
All seven officers, five appearing in person and two represented by their lawyers, have denied the allegations of misconduct at the outset of the inquiry. The proceedings continue to examine the complex circumstances surrounding this tragic incident that has raised significant questions about police procedures and use of force.
