Cops fired over misplaced firearm

Three Constables attached to the Guyana Police Force and stationed in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were dismissed from the force following an incident in December 2022 where Assistant Superintendant Benn ‘misplaced’ his firearm at a Gymkana event in Reliance, East Canje Berbice.

At the time of the incident, the ASP was stationed in Berbice and the News Room understands that he has since been transferred out of the division.

The ranks who were dismissed have been identified as Constables Shakeil Smith, Donovan Walker and Tariq McCalmon.

The News Room had reported that two persons – an off-duty Police Constable and a civilian – were injured at the event after patrons hurled beer bottles at them.

Constable McCalmon and his friend, Lofon Humphrey suffered injuries while they were attending the event.  The three cops were attending the event and were off duty at the time.

A police patrol vehicle (PAB 3148) with ASP Benn in charge, showed up at the location and it was during the fracas that the ASP ‘misplaced’ his 9mm pistol after he gave it to one of the off-duty cops for safe keeping.

The Police Force had subsequently launched an internal investigation and carried out several raids at various homes in search of the weapon.

Police Commander Shivpersaud Bhaccus had told reporters at a press briefing sometime after the incident that he was unaware that the weapon was missing when he released information about the incident.  He had said that further inquiries and investigations revealed that the weapon was ‘misplaced’ at the Gymkana.

Police later charged a woman after it was revealed that she had knowledge about the whereabouts of the gun.