Minibus driver, conductor charged with assaulting cop, resisting arrest

A Route 45 minibus driver and conductor, who were caught on camera assaulting a Traffic Officer and resisting arrest, appeared before Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus Monday to face three charges.

Carlos Bacchus, 29 and Troy Peters, 34, both of Victoria, East Coast Demerara, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Particulars of the first charge alleged that on February 13, 2019, at Hink Street, Georgetown, they assaulted Police Constable Joel Samuel, who was acting in the execution of his duties.

It is further alleged that on the same day and location, they resisted arrest and behaved disorderly in public.

Their lawyer Everton Singh-Lammy, in his bail application, told the court that the cop is in a relationship with Bacchus’ girlfriend.

Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris opposed bail on the grounds that a strong message is sent to minibus operators about assaulting police officers and breaking the laws.

The Prosecutor informed the court that the cop was on duty fully dressed in his uniform when he saw minibus BTT 9235 loading passengers on the southern side of Hink Street and obstructing the flow of traffic.

The officer confronted the minibus driver, Bacchus about obstructing traffic, when both defendants became annoyed and behaved disorderly.

The officer warned the defendants to desist when they assaulted him.

Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus released the duo on $60,000 bail each and adjourned the matter until March 11, 2019.