COPS CHARGED WITH ALLEGED BEATINGS

VANCOUVER - Six Vancouver Police officers have been charged with assault
and attempted obstruction of justice in connection with the alleged beating
of three suspected drug dealers earlier this year.

It's alleged the constables picked up the three men on the Granville Mall
on Jan. 14, drove them to a parking lot in Stanley Park and beat them.

None of the victims - aged 27, 33, and 37 - were seriously injured, but one
did take himself to hospital for a cut to the head.

The six police officers - Christopher Cronmiller, Raymond Gardner, Duncan
Gemmell, James Kenney, Gabriel Kojima, and Brandon Steele - have each been
charged with three counts of assault, one count of assault with a weapon,
and one count of attempting to obstruct justice.

Kenney and Kojima also face additional counts of assault and obstructing
justice.

Criminal Justice Branch spokesperson Geoff Gaul says he can't elaborate on
the obstruction of justice charges.

"To go any further at this point in time wouldn't be appropriate because it
is before the court. All the facts eventually will come out before the
court, and will become public at that point."

The incident was reported by another Vancouver officer who wasn't involved,
and led to the six constables being suspended with pay.

The six, who have one to five years experience on the force, have been
released on their own recognizance with conditions.

Meanwhile, their suspension and their pay cheques will continue.