An investigation has cleared a veteran Vancouver police officer in the 2007 death of a Burnaby man, said Vancouver Police Department Chief Jim Chu on Monday.

The internal VPD investigation, which was subjected to a comprehensive two-part review by the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner, determined the unidentified officer acted in self-defence.

On Dec. 10, 2007, at about 3:30 p.m., Vancouver police received a 911 call of an impaired driver at the Shell station at Knight Street and 41st Avenue. An acting sergeant responded and found 21-year-old Reuben Coleman of Burnaby, who was known to police, in no condition to drive.

The Vancouver officer decided he would call a tow truck and release Coleman as long as he was not wanted on any warrants or in possession of drugs or weapons.

But during the frisk search, Coleman began to turn away just as the officer found a hard object in the right side of his waistband. The officer placed him in a bear hug in a desperate attempt to keep him from grabbing the gun, a .45 calibre pistol. Coleman fought back and pulled the gun, which led to a struggle in which two shots were fired into the pavement.

Eventually, Coleman broke free and pointed his gun directly at the officer. With his own gun still in its holster, the officer tried to reason with him.

Coleman turned away and tried to flee in his car but the officer could see he still had the gun in his hand. Seeing a threat to public safety, the officer shouted at Coleman to stop.

Coleman responded by raising his firearm again. The officer then fired his own gun, killing Coleman.

The incident was investigated by the VPD's Major Crime and Professional Standards sections and included interviews with several independent witnesses and a review of video at the gas station. Both investigations were reviewed by the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner who concluded the officer's actions were "clearly reasonable and necessary," said Chu.

"Mr. Coleman's death was regrettable and we offer our sincere condolences to his friends and family. We also again express our concern to our officer for the trauma and distress this caused him and his family."

All police officers will have to make life-or-death decisions at some point in their careers, Chu said.

"The investigation into this incident clearly demonstrated that our officer acted professionally and bravely that morning in defence of his own life and of innocent bystanders."

wchow@burnabynewsleader.com