Officer testifies about force used before Myles Gray’s death

Const. Beau Spencer testified at a public hearing that he struck Myles Gray three or four times during the 2015 struggle in which Gray died, describing his efforts to restrain him and the moments before he went limp. The hearing is examining allegations involving seven Vancouver officers; Spencer’s testimony is an account of the events, not a finding of legal responsibility. Spencer said he and another officer were unable to move Gray’s arm behind his back to handcuff him. He testified that he delivered the blows with a closed fist to Gray’s shoulder while pulling at his wrist, but that Gray’s arm did not move. Spencer said he believed he needed to increase his use of force because he was concerned Gray might reach for a weapon or push himself up. Spencer recounted that he and his partner had been having ice cream when they heard a colleague’s radio call for help. He said the colleague’s tone raised immediate concern and that he later heard a loud roar as they drove toward the scene. When they arrived, Spencer said, officers appeared exhausted as they tried to subdue Gray. According to Spencer, Gray later appeared to regain consciousness and asked what was happening. Spencer...