“D” DIVISION (West Demerara) Police Constable Mohamed Salim, who claimed that he was shot in a “drive-by” on New Year’s Day while he was standing on the Vergenoegen Public Road, EBE might be lying to conceal what could be an even bigger issue; one that could land him in serious trouble.

Salim, who performs patrol duties in his Division, told investigators that shots were fired at him from occupants of a car that passed him by. The young constable was taken to hospital to seek medical attention for a bullet wound to his left foot.

However, his story has not entirely convinced his colleagues who are investigating the report that he was shot in a drive-by shooting. The Guyana Chronicle was told that Salim might have accidentally shot himself with a weapon he is not licensed to carry, or might have been shot by someone whom he knows and who was standing very close to him at the time.

Police sources have confirmed that Salim was originally scheduled to work on the day he was shot, but was given time-off which he had requested. When his request was granted, his service weapon was lodged and he was in civilian clothing.

Investigators arrived at the conclusion that Salim had accidentally inflicted the gunshot injury on himself, or that someone who was close to him at the time had inflicted the injury on him after they were briefed by doctors on the projection of the bullet wound, which is not consistent with injuries from bullets which were fired ‘across.’

The projection showed that Salim’s wound runs vertically and not horizontally, as is usually consistent with a “drive- by.” Moreover, eyewitnesses have said that Salim had indeed accidentally shot himself and at the time there was no vehicle passing him.

Further, after sustaining the gunshot injury, Salim returned home in a taxi prior to proceeding to the hospital. Police sources are contending that if indeed Salim had accidentally shot himself, then his action in returning home after being shot, rather than heading to the hospital, would have been to conceal the weapon, which he has no licence to carry.

Asked if Salim’s fingers had been dusted for gunpowder residue, the police source responded in the negative, stating that it is sometimes difficult for persons, including the police, to have access to patients while they are hospitalised, especially based on their condition.

This matter remains under police investigation.

(Leroy Smith)