DESMOND McPherson on Monday appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court accused of shooting a policeman and being in possession of a loaded gun.

McPherson was not required to plead to four charges.

It is alleged that on October 5, 2020 at Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Park, Georgetown, McPherson, with intent to resist lawful apprehension, assaulted Constable 24016 Ramsingh, a Peace Officer acting in the execution of his duty.
It is also alleged that on the same date and place, McPherson had in his possession a .32 Taurus pistol without being a holder of a firearm licence to carry it, and four matching rounds of ammunition without being licensed to carry that too.

The final allegation is that he discharged a loaded firearm at Constable Ramsingh with intent to maim, disfigure, disable, or to cause him grievous bodily harm.

According to the facts of the case, at 18:45hrs, Constable Ramsingh and Constable Kennedy were patrolling Arapaima Street, Guyhoc Park, when two explosions were heard by Constable Ramsingh. He alerted Constable Kennedy and they both proceeded in a westerly direction to investigate. While approaching a crowd of about 10 persons, Constable Ramsingh noticed McPherson inconspicuously distancing himself from the crowd with his hands tucked to his side. Persons at the scene reportedly said he was in possession of a gun.

Constable Ramsingh proceeded towards McPherson and when he was about two feet away, he reportedly observed the accused reaching for his handgun. He immediately held onto McPherson’s hand and a scuffle ensued. During the scrimmage, McPherson discharged a round which struck Constable Ramsingh to the inner part of his right leg and existed through his buttocks.

In the attempt to defend himself, Constable Ramsingh discharged a round from his service weapon, which struck McPherson to the inner part of his left thigh. The injured rank managed to relieve McPherson of his firearm.

Public-spirited citizens and Constable Kennedy assisted in the apprehension of McPherson. Police ranks who were the vicinity at the time also rendered assistance.

Constable Ramsingh was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he was examined and admitted as a patient. McPherson was later charged.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus granted McPherson $70,000 bail on each charge.

The matter was adjourned to November 2.