DPP to Advise on Charges for Six Police Officers Involved in Shooting Incidents

DPP to Advise on Charges for Six Police Officers Involved in Shooting Incidents

DPP to Advise on Charges for Six Police Officers Involved in Shooting Incidents

Following the conclusion of investigations into two separate shooting incidents involving police officers, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) announced that the case files will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

Mark Ramotar, Director of the GPF’s Corporate Communications Department, confirmed on Wednesday that the investigation into the fatal shooting of Police Sergeant Alex Vaughn, as well as the shooting incident involving another Police Sergeant, has been completed. Both sets of files will be submitted to the DPP Chambers for review.

Sergeant Vaughn was tragically killed by a fellow officer, a Police Constable, on March 12 during a joint services operation in Karrau, Region Seven. The incident occurred while they were pursuing prison escapee Akeem Wong. The Constable allegedly discharged his weapon accidentally while disembarking from a tractor, resulting in Sergeant Vaughn’s death. The Constable has been placed under close arrest pending further investigation.

In a separate incident on March 11, five police officers, including a Sergeant, a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and two Constables, fired shots at a Police Sergeant’s car in Republic Park, East Bank Demerara. The officers, part of the Special Branch, were reportedly investigating an alleged robbery/murder and mistook the Sergeant’s car for the suspects’ getaway vehicle. The terrified Sergeant drove to Providence Police Station, unaware of the officers’ identity. Subsequently, all involved officers were placed under close arrest.

The legal advice from the DPP will guide the next steps in these cases, determining whether charges will be laid against the officers involved. The GPF remains committed to transparency and accountability in addressing incidents involving its members.

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