-Benn assures, as probe into cops shooting at police sergeant’s car continues

IN the wake of a recent incident involving the discharging of firearms by police officers at a vehicle being driven by a police sergeant, Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn, has reassured the public of a thorough investigation aimed at uncovering the truth behind the disturbing event.

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF’s) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has taken up the case, signalling the start of a thorough inquiry into the events leading up to the confrontation and the operational procedures followed by the officers involved.

Five Special Branch ranks —a sergeant, a corporal, a lance corporal, and two constables—are being questioned.

Reporters questioned Benn on Monday on the sidelines of an event about whether he was satisfied with the police’s version of events on March 11 at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

This is what he had to say: “There is some investigation underway and there will be an answer. I am satisfied with the explanation…”

However, Minister Benn refrained from confirming whether the five ranks are still under close arrest.

Police had initially said that the ranks were under close arrest.

Further, he dismissed reports of some 88 rounds being fired at the policeman’s vehicle, stating: “Of course, it’s impossible. Even a person who isn’t skilled at arms, who could have the ability to shoot 88 rounds, would at least shoot the car. So, this suggestion that 88 rounds were fired at a car with a person in it, and they all missed, is ridiculous.”

When reporters questioned Minister Benn about whether the police’s Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) were followed during the operation, he declined to comment, stating that he is still awaiting the findings of the OPR and the Commissioner of Police.

“I am not commenting further on the matter,” he said.

The incident, which occurred at around 22:10 hours on the day in question at Republic Park involved Sergeant Ronald Payne, who is stationed at the Providence Police Station, EBD, according to a police statement.

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.

According to the statement, the Special Branch officers were collaborating with Regional Division #3 ranks to apprehend the suspects.

At approximately 22:10 hours, 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. No one was injured and there was no damage to property.