A Delta police officer has been charged criminally for shooting a man outside the Starlight Casino in New Westminster two years ago.
According to Delta police, Const. Jordan MacWilliams appeared in New Westminster court Monday charged with the second degree murder of Mehrdad Bayrami, 48, of Richmond.
On Nov. 8, 2012, Bayrami was shot in the abdomen following a five-hour standoff with the regional emergency response team, which included MacWilliams, near the casino parking lot. Bayrami was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital where he died 10 days later.
Police were called about 6 a.m. that day after receiving reports of shots being fired. Morning rush hour traffic in Queensborough was snarled because of the incident with the Queensborough Bridge being closed in both directions.
After the shooting the provincial Independents Investigation Office was called in. It issued a report to Crown counsel on July 12, 2013 but didn't release it publicly.
Delta Chief Const. Jim Cessford said in a press release he has limited knowledge of the details of the incident and would not comment further.
MacWilliams was released on bail with terms and conditions. His next scheduled court appearance is Dec. 18 in New Westminster.