Top Cop orders thorough investigation into death of Essequibo businessman

Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie has instructed that a thorough investigation be conducted into the shooting to death of 29-year-old Orin Boston. The Essequibo businessman was killed during a confrontation with members of the Police’s SWAT team in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.

Police Headquarters in a statement said the Police Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) will immediately commence the investigation.

The police report stated that ranks were conducting an anti-crime operation in Essequibo and at about 04:40hrs on Wednesday they went to Boston’s Dartmouth home to conduct a search.

“During the search, there was a confrontation between Orin Boston and the police resulting in him being shot to his upper left arm,” the police report said.

Boston was shot on a bed in the house and was rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Boston operated the “Ease Meh Stress” Bar.

Following the incident, residents of the area began protesting by burning debris on the main access bridge, blocking the road and preventing traffic from flowing.

The police said ranks are on the ground making strenuous efforts to clear the road and control the situation.

“The Guyana Police Force is calling on citizens to desist from this unlawful activity and allow for due process to take its course with the ongoing investigations.”

The ongoing protest is also affecting the operations of the Charity Post Office and some services will not be available, the post office said in a statement.