RCMP dispatch tape reveals 'absolute horror'

The B.C. Coroner's Service has released part of the RCMP dispatch tape recorded the night an officer shot and killed a young mill worker in northwestern B.C.

Const. Paul Koester shot Ian Bush, 22, in the back of the head.He has said he acted in self-defence during a struggle with Bush at the Houston detachment in October 2005.

An inquiry is underway in Houston into the killing; the police dispatch tape was played there for the public during the week of May 22.Part ofthe recordingwas released to the media on Tuesday.

The section of the released recording begins at the time Bush was at the Houston detachment after being arrested at a hockey arena for carrying open beer and giving police false names. On the tape, a dispatcher is heard alerting local RCMP officers to a new problem near thearena.

"There are about 20 people right across from the arena, breaking beer bottles," the dispatcher says on the tape.

An officer responds: "10-4. I'm just a block away."

Suddenly, a piercing cry is heard on the recording asKoester calls for help after shooting Bush.

"Sorry, what's going on there," the dispatcher asks.

Koester is heard crying, "No," and"Oh God, this isn't happening." He thensays he is in the RCMP interview room andneeds help.

RCMP spokesman Cpl. Pierre Lemaitre, who heard the tape at the inquiry, said he believes the recording will help people understand what happened.

"I have never heard anything like that before in my career," Lemaitre said. "It sounded like an individual who had a broken soul. It was absolute horror."

The inquest into Bush's death continues in Houston on July 3.