VANCOUVER, B.C. - Crown prosecutors have decided not to lay charges against a Vancouver police officer who shot a man eight times, killing him, more than two years ago.

Paul Boyd, who was bipolar and was not taking his medication, was killed in August 2007 after police responded to a call of an assault at a Vancouver bus stop.

Shortly after police arrived, Boyd started fighting with the officers, swinging a bike chain and throwing punches.

The Crown report on the incident, released Monday, said the officers fought back with fists and batons but eventually one officer shot Boyd eight times as he continued to attack the police and ignore their commands.

"An exhaustive review, involving senior prosecutors within the Criminal Justice Branch, has resulted in the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to establish that the officer's use of force was excessive in the circumstances," the Crown said in its report.

The report noted Boyd could become paranoid and delusional when off his medication. Four days before he was killed he told his doctor he had stopped taking his drugs and those who knew him had noticed symptoms of his mental illness in the week leading up to his death.

Police were first called the evening of Aug. 13, 2007, after Boyd entered a restaurant and began shouting and waving his arms at a customer. Before they arrived at the restaurant, Boyd went to a bus stop a few blocks away and got into a confrontation with another person there.

When police arrived, Boyd was ordered to drop a hammer he had in his hand. He let go of the hammer and went down to the ground on his stomach.

Though Boyd was initially co-operative and non-combative, the Crown said that quickly changed.

"The first plainclothes officer removed his handcuffs from his pouch and approached (Boyd). Mr. Boyd suddenly jumped up into a standing position and charged at him while swinging a bicycle chain," the report said.

"The officer took a step towards him and Mr. Boyd swung at him with the bicycle chain and struck his head, injuring him and causing him to fall backwards into the street."

Another officer then approached Boyd and the two exchanged punches, with ...[next page]