THE assault of a policeman by two men near Movietowne at Turkeyen on Friday afternoon, has sparked outrage from Commissioner of Police (ag) Clifton Hicken.

Police Headquarters said Police Constable Harlequin and another rank were carrying out traffic enforcement duties at about 16:45 hrs. at the Plaisance Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara when they intercepted a heavily tinted vehicle (#PAD 3136), driven by Kessee Edwards. The Constable reportedly told the driver to go to the Sparendaam Police Station for a vehicular inspection.

“The driver refused and drove off at a fast speed, and in the process, the car’s front wheel went over Constable Harlequin’s right foot,” a report from Police Headquarters noted. It is alleged that the cop entered a police vehicle and chased after Edwards and intercepted him at the Turkeyen access road, in the vicinity of MovieTowne.

According to the police report, Edwards exited his vehicle, approached Constable Harlequin, and told him that someone called ‘Demon’ was on the phone and allegedly hurled several expletives at the officer. Constable Harlequin then called 911 for assistance.

Soon after, a grey Toyota Allion drove by and the driver approached Constable Harlequin.

It was then noted that Constable Harlequin told Edwards of the multiple offences he had committed, cautioned him, and later told him that he was under arrest. Edwards, however, started to behave in a disorderly manner and bit Constable Harlequin on his left ear, the report noted.

It is alleged that Edwards and the other man started attacking Constable Harlequin and hit him about his body. Public-spirited citizens eventually gathered at the scene and one man confronted the assailants. That man is believed to be former cop Eustace Abrams called Robocop.

Edwards was arrested and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where he was placed into custody pending investigation. Police are looking for the other assailant.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Hicken, in a statement issued by Police Headquarters, said the Force will not tolerate any unprovoked attack on its officers.

“Commissioner of Police Mr. Clifton Hicken has expressed outrage at the assault and said this behaviour would not be tolerated, and anyone who feels they can assault and attack the Police while carrying out their sworn duty to serve and protect will face the full brunt of the law,” the statement noted.