Delta's police union is thanking the community for the outpouring of support after a second-degree murder charge was laid against an officer for an on-duty shooting.
President S/Sgt. Ryan Hall said the department has received flowers, letters, emails and offers of financial support since the charge against Const. Jordan MacWilliams was announced last Monday.
"We can't thank you, the public, enough as police officers," Hall said. "The support has kept us motivated and ever vigilant to protect our community from those who would steal from you, harm you or endanger you in anyway. We are committed as ever to your safety and providing for that service."
MacWilliams has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of 48-year-old Mehrdad Bayrami.
Bayrami was shot Nov. 8, 2012 following a five-hour armed standoff outside New Westminster's Starlight Casino. MacWilliams, a member of the Municipal Integrated Emergency Response Team, was one of many officers responding to the incident.
MacWilliams is currently on paid leave.
"This is an exceptional and unique case, perhaps unique in the history of British Columbia," said his lawyer, David Butcher, who describes his client as a dedicated young officer.
"On Nov. 8, 2012 he was directly involved in rescuing a young woman from a gunman who had fired shots into her car at the Starlight Casino. In the hours that followed he was involved, as a member of the Emergency Response Team, in a standoff with the gunman," Butcher said.
"He says that he was acting in the lawful execution of his duties at all times. It is unbelievable he has been charge with any offence, let alone murder," Butcher said. "He categorically denies the allegation and looks forward to presenting his defence at trial."
MacWilliams, who was 25 at the time of the incident, is scheduled to make his next court appearance in December.
