TWO ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), on Sunday, allegedly assaulted a civilian and discharged a firearm in the air because police attempted to shut down a social gathering, which was in breach of the COVID-19 regulations, at Corriverton, Berbice.

Police Headquarters, in a report, noted that a party of policemen visited the Sea Breeze Bar, Corriverton, Berbice where, approximately three hours after the national curfew is supposed to take effect, there was about 100 people consuming alcohol.

The ranks informed the proprietor of the premises to close off the bar. However, in the process of doing so one of the CANU officers allegedly questioned the rank as to why he thought he could close off the party and further stated that such was not going to happen.

According to the police, because of the CANU officer’s behaviour, a civilian intervened and informed him that he could not disrespect the police. That intervention made him (the CANU officer) angry and caused him to advance towards the young man in an aggressive manner.

Another civilian intervened but was allegedly attacked by the aggressive CANU officer. Police reported that a large crowd subsequently gathered and the second CANU officer, who was armed with a service 9MM pistol and 15 live rounds, withdrew his firearm and discharged a round in the air.

The shooter’s colleague allegedly received injuries to the left side of the head and was escorted to the Skeldon Hospital where he was treated and sent away. Police did not report what caused the officer’s injuries. The shooter was arrested and placed into custody and the firearm was lodged.

One 9MM spent shell was found at the scene and lodged as evidence as the investigation into the matter continues.