A POLICE constable was on Wednesday released on $150,000 bail by City Magistrate Leron Daly for the offence of attempted murder.Lyndon Thompson, 25 of Lot 284 Kaneville, East Bank Demerara is accused of discharging a loaded firearm at Shawn Williams with intent to commit murder on August 5, at Itaballi, Mazaruni. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

His lawyer, Lynden Amsterdam told the court that on the day in question, the officer along with other ranks went to arrest Williams after his reputed wife made a report of domestic abuse against him.

“Thompson, who was armed with his service-weapon proceeded to arrest Williams, who resisted and assaulted the lawmen,” the lawyer told the court.

Amsterdam pointed out that Williams behaved disorderly and advance towards Thompson resulting in him firing a round at him. The lawyer further stated that the Police Constable, with the assistance of other villagers, took Williams to the Bartica Hospital, where he was treated.

Police Prosecutor, Inspector Kevin London did not object to bail but requested that reporting conditions be attached. As such, bail was granted and Constable Thompson has to report every Monday to Police ‘F’ Division, Eve Leary. The matter was adjourned and transferred to Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan for September 6.

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 20:00h on the day in question, a mother reported to the police at Itaballi Check Point that her son-in-law was assaulting her daughter. The subordinate officer-in-charge sent a Constable with a service firearm to accompany the complainant.

On arrival, the Police Constable and Williams got into an argument when he [Williams] was shot.