Witnesses Detail Myles Gray's Erratic Actions Before Fatal Police Encounter
During the second day of a public hearing into the police-involved death of Myles Gray, two witnesses provided compelling testimony about Gray's unusual behavior on the day he was beaten by officers and later died. The hearing, which is reviewing the conduct of seven Vancouver Police Department officers, heard accounts that paint a picture of a man who appeared deeply disturbed in the moments leading up to the tragic incident.
Andrea Pilgrim's Disturbing Observations
Andrea Pilgrim, a library technician who witnessed Gray near a bus stop, described seeing him remove his shirt and tank top while appearing to mumble incoherently. Although she was too far away to hear his exact words, Pilgrim testified that his behavior was clearly peculiar and concerning.
"Something was just not right with him," Pilgrim told the hearing, emphasizing that she felt uncomfortable approaching Gray due to his erratic behavior and muscular, athletic build. She noted that he didn't appear to be a drug addict but wondered if he might have been using steroids.
Pilgrim expressed particular concern about whether Gray would board a bus in his agitated state, testifying that "I thought for sure if he was waiting for a bus or the bus attended or arrived, he would have had a few choice words to say to the bus driver." When asked if Gray appeared angry, she clarified that he seemed more bothered or frustrated than overtly hostile.
Neighbor's Account of the Initial Incident
Muhammed Reza, the son of the woman who was sprayed with water from a garden hose by Gray, also testified about the events leading up to the police response. Reza described Gray swearing, using vulgar language, and making inappropriate comments toward his mother before mumbling incoherent words.
"I told my mom to go inside because I was worried for her," Reza testified, explaining that his concern for neighborhood safety prompted him to call 911. He expressed fear that Gray, who he believed was either unwell or under the influence of drugs, might cross the fence into their yard.
Reza described watching as a female police officer arrived in response to his call, interacted briefly with Gray near Joffre Avenue and Marine Drive, then quickly returned to her vehicle. He assumed she called for backup when he heard sirens and saw additional officers arriving at the scene.
The Tragic Outcome
Myles Gray, 33 years old at the time of his death in 2015, suffered catastrophic injuries during his encounter with police. The beating resulted in a ruptured testicle, fractures to his eye socket, nose, voice box, and ribs. Gray lost consciousness while handcuffed and subsequently died from his injuries.
The public hearing, called by Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner Prabhu Rajan, continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Gray's death and the actions of the officers involved. The testimony from these witnesses provides crucial context about Gray's mental state and behavior in the critical moments before police intervention.
