Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn on Monday dismissed reports that 88 rounds were fired at Police Sergeant Ronald Payne during the shooting incident at Republic Park, East Bank Demerara last week.
Following the incident, five Special Branch officers – a Sergeant, a Corporal, a Lance Corporal, and two Constables – were placed under close arrest as the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) investigates the matter.
In an invited comment, Minister Benn said he was pleased with the explanation provided by the officers who claimed that Payne’s car was mistaken for a similar one involved in an alleged robbery/murder.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Benn said investigations are ongoing.
“An investigation is underway and there will be an answer, I am satisfied with the explanation,” Benn said.
Despite not having read the full report, Benn reiterated his satisfaction with the details of a statement issued by the Guyana Police Force.
“There was some talk about 88 rounds being fired, of course, it is impossible even a person who isn’t skilled at arms and could have the ability to shoot 88 rounds would at least shoot the car. So, this suggestion that 88 rounds were fired at a car with a person in it and they all missed is ridiculous,” Minister Benn stated.
He assured that he would await the review by the OPR and the Commissioner of Police to determine whether Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were followed during the incident.
According to a statement from Police Headquarters, the Special Branch ranks were assisting in the alleged robbery/murder investigation and were searching for a dark-colored Toyota Rumion, suspected to be the getaway vehicle used by the suspects.
Sergeant Payne, who was driving home from work in his own dark-colored Toyota Rumion, was intercepted by the officers who discharged firearms and instructed him to stop.
Unaware of their identity, a terrified Payne drove to the Providence Police Station. The ranks followed him to the station and were subsequently placed under arrest while their firearms were seized. No injuries or damage to property occurred during the incident.
