…accused of hiding marijuana

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of 46-year-old Bertrand Robertson of Rebecca Lust, High Dam, Mahaica, which occurred at about 23:30h on Monday night at Fair Field Public Road, East Coast Demerara. He was reportedly shot by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Ravin Dass.

According to a police report, the ASP was returning to Georgetown from Berbice when he felt sleepy and decided to stop on Fair Field Public Road and take a rest.

He alleged that he was subsequently awoken by someone knocking on the window glass of the driver side where he was seated and he lowered the glass and saw Robertson, who enquired as to his presence there, to which he explained.

According to the police report, Robertson then removed the car key from its ignition and as the officer attempted to retrieve it, Robertson allegedly drew a hatchet and the officer immediately drew his service revolver and discharged two rounds hitting him in the left ankle.

Robertson was escorted to the Mahaicony Hospital where he was treated and sent away. The officer is assisting with the investigation. The weapon along with two spent shells recovered at the scene and the hatchet have been lodged.

Meanwhile, when Guyana Chronicle visited Robertson at his Rebecca Lust home Tuesday, he had a different version of events. He told this newspaper that he was driving at Fairfield, Mahaica when he observed a car pulled over, dropped off someone and then turned off the lights.

According to Robertson, a similar situation occurred with bandits in the area recently, so he picked up some villagers and went back to the area, when he approached the car. Robertson claimed that the driver lowered the glass window and shot him.

It is alleged by Robertson, the officer took out a parcel from his car and hid it under a sucker tree; he believes that the parcel contains marijuana.