Police shoots bystander in pursuit of armed bandit

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Ranks of the Guyana Police Force came in for heavy criticisms from residents of Nabaclis, Middle Walk, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday, January 28 when they accidentally shot a bystander in pursuit of a bandit armed with a knife.

According to the Force, on Monday three men were attacked and robbed of their cell phones and jewellery by two men armed with handguns at Haslington, East Coast Demerara.

In conducting investigations into the matter, at about 12:00 hrs today, information was received that one of the suspects was in a house at Nabaclis.

The police responded and during efforts to arrest him, the suspect attacked a rank with a knife causing the police to resort to the use of force.

A round was discharged by an armed rank which, accidentally hit a bystander to his left foot. He was identified as Sherwin Jack, 37 years, of Nabaclis.

According to a media release, efforts by the police to take Sherwin Jack, who is reported to be mentally unstable, for medical treatment were unsuccessful as he refused the assistance of the police, and this was compounded by a crowd of residents who had gathered and further prevented the police from so doing.

The residents took the injured Sherwin Jack to the Enmore Clinic from where he was transported by an ambulance to the GPHC. He has been admitted for medical attention.

The suspect has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.