FIVE ranks of the Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Special Branch are under investigation following a shooting incident committed on their colleague and it is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.
The incident, which occurred at around 22:10 hrs on March 11 at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), involved Sergeant Ronald Payne, who is stationed at the Providence Police Station, EBD.

That day, Sergeant Payne was driving home from work in a dark-coloured Toyota Rumion, a vehicle that unfortunately matched the description of one used by suspects in a recent robbery and murder case under investigation by the Special Branch.

The officers, comprising a Sergeant, a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and two Constables, were collaborating with Regional Division #3 ranks to apprehend the suspects.

At approximately 22:10 hrs, the Special Branch team, operating under the belief that they had located the suspects’ vehicle, initiated a stop. In an attempt to enforce compliance, they discharged their firearms into the air, a move that understandably terrified Sergeant Payne.

Unaware of the identities of the individuals attempting to pull him over and fearing for his safety, Sergeant Payne decided to drive to the Providence Police Station for refuge, the Police Force noted in a press release.
Upon the Special Branch team’s arrival at the station, they were promptly placed under closed arrest following the revelation of their identities and the nature of their mistake.

Their firearms were confiscated, and the scene of the initial encounter was thoroughly investigated by crime scene technicians, who recovered several spent shells. These shells, along with the firearms, are currently undergoing examination by the Police Ballistics Department.

“Remarkably, no one was injured and there was no damage to property. The GPF’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has taken up the case, signalling the start of thorough inquiry into the events leading up to the confrontation and the operational procedures followed by the officers involved,” the police report noted.