SIXTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Gerald Mark Battersby has been charged with six counts of attempted murder in relation to the shooting victim on Davie Street in Yaletown and five police officers on Tuesday.
Although Vancouver Police would not officially name the victim, media have identified the victim as Yaletown’s Reckless Bikes shop owner Paul Dragan (see photo).
Vancouver police also announced that Battersby has been charged with four firearms offences. They said Battersby is a former employee of the victim.
Police said that shortly before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the 52-year-old victim was in front of the Starbucks on Davie Street near Marinaside Crescent when he was approached and shot. Police officers, who happened to be nearby, challenged the alleged shooter and exchanged several shots.
The man fled on a bike along the seawall, pursued by police. Dozens of officers flooded the area and found the suspect on the seawall at Science World. A second exchange of gun fire occurred. The suspect was shot and one police officer received minor injuries from flying glass when the window of her police car was shot out.
Police said the victim’s condition is unchanged. He remains in hospital in stable but critical condition.
The suspect also remains in hospital under guard.
“Our thoughts are with the victim, his family and his friends,” said Vancouver Police Chief Constable Doug LePard. “Our focus will now be on completing a thorough investigation to provide Crown with the best evidence to support the charges.”
Investigators have spoken to more than 100 witnesses, but have been unable to confirm where Gerald Battersby was living. Anyone with information about the accused, those with photos or video to provide police, and those who witnessed Tuesday’s incident and have not yet spoken to police are asked to call the VPD Major Crime Section at (604) 717-2541 or by e-mail at robbery@vpd.ca.