Ian Bailey
Vancouver, B.C. — Globe and Mail update Published on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 2:56PM EST Last updated on Friday, Jan. 29, 2010 4:07PM EST
Vancouver police have asked investigators in nearby Delta to take over the investigation into the case of a man beaten at his home by a pair of officers in a case of mistaken identity.
City Police Chief Jim Chu announced the shift Friday in a news conference.
He said he asked the chief of Delta police to take on the investigation because the lawyer for Yao Wei Wu has a standing legal case against the Vancouver police, creating a possible conflict if Vancouver police continue the investigation.
He denied allegations that Vancouver police had tried to influence Mr. Wu on his choice of lawyer, suggesting that officers have been talking to Mr. Wu in light of his complaint.
"He was co-operating with us. Yesterday that co-operation ceased," said Chief Chu.
Mr. Wu is being represented by Cameron Ward.
Mr. Wu, 44, was beaten by two plainclothes officers who came to his home last week to investigate a report of domestic abuse. They got the wrong house.
During the news conference, which was eventually suspended due to yelling from a demonstrator, Mr. Chu offered another in a series of public apologies to Mr. Wu.