Police say robbery suspect assaulted cops first at Stabroek Market

The Guyana Police Force has claimed that a man who was caught on video being assaulted by several police officers actually assaulted and injured the cops first.

According to the police, the man was resisting arrest after reportedly robbing Ricky Menque, a 31-year-old Venezuelan National of Friendship, East Bank Demerara of a Samsung cellphone and $25,000. The incident occurred at about 16:35 hrs on Sunday in the vicinity of the Stabroek Market area. Police said the ranks of a mobile patrol responded to the robbery.

“The ranks arrested a male suspect and placed him in the police vehicle, during which he became aggressive and attacked the ranks who were forced to defend themselves. This led to a physical confrontation between the suspect and the police, part of which has been circulating on social media,” the Police stated.

In the video, the police rank is seen cuffing the suspect at the back of the police vehicle and subsequently holding the suspect down in an effort to arrest him.

After managing to arrest the suspect, Police said he was identified by the victim as one of three men who robbed him.

The Police Force further stated that the suspect has refused medical attention and remains in custody, while the injured police ranks were treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating the incident.

“The Police Force is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, between the suspect and the members of the Force, to make contact with the Officer in charge of the Police OPR on Telephone number 227-1926 or the Commander of the Regional Police Division on 226-1389.”