A POLICE constable was arrested on Saturday after shooting Shawn Simons, a man accused of domestic violence, on Friday evening.The constable and Simons had an argument at Itaballi, Mazaruni; and eyewitnesses claim that the policeman struck Simons on his head with the firearm, causing him to fall. It is further alleged that the policeman discharged a round at Simons, hitting him in the upper chest.

The constable then allegedly took Simons to the Bartica Hospital, where he is being treated. The constable is alleged to have fled the area, but was apprehended on Saturday. Meantime, Simons’ condition is regarded as serious but stable. He was yesterday air dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

According to police, stringent efforts were launched during the said night to locate the constable, who was still in possession of the firearm. On Saturday at about 06:00h, the constable was arrested by a subordinate officer and a party of policemen in the vicinity of the Tiperu Crossing.

The Police Office of Professional Responsibility is conducting a separate investigation into the purported breaches of standard operating procedure in relation to the report of domestic violence.

Police reports reveal that at about 20hrs on Friday, a mother reported to the police at Itaballi Check Point that her daughter’s reputed husband was assaulting her daughter. The subordinate officer-in-charge sent a constable with a service firearm to accompany the complainant. On arrival, the assailant, reputed husband to his victim, was contacted, and in the intervening process an argument ensued between the constable and the assailant, resulting in the police reportedly shooting the perpetrator.