Security guard shot dead during confrontation with police

Michael Britton, called Mickey, a 39-year-old security guard attached to Kalibur Security Service and of Vigilance South, East Coast Demerara was shot and killed at Vigilance by involved ranks from the Vigilance Police Station.

Police Headquarters, in a statement, said around 11:30 hrs, an Inspector, a Sergeant, a Corporal, and three Constables left the Vigilance Police Station to conduct cordon and search exercises within the Lusignan and Good Hope areas on the East Coast of Demerara.

It is alleged by the Inspector that at about 13:30 hrs, they completed their cordon and search exercises, and while they were proceeding along Brush Dam, Friendship, en route to the Vigilance Police Station, they were stopped by a 27-year-old Wash Bay operator, who reported that Britton threatened him with a firearm.

As a result of the report, ranks exited the police vehicle. They left on foot in an eastern direction, accompanied by the complainant, who pointed out Britton about 25 feet ahead of them.

On seeing the ranks, Britton began running in an eastern direction and jumped a fence. The ranks gave chase, during which Britton pulled out a black firearm and discharged a round in the ranks’ direction. As a result, the ranks returned fire in Britton’s direction, who kept running and jumped several fences in the area.

As the ranks pursued him and as he was in the process of jumping a southern fence of an empty lot, he suddenly collapsed. Britton was picked up by the ranks, where it was observed he had a wound to the left side of his hip area.

He was placed in the Police pick-up and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where, on arrival, he was seen and examined by Doctor Kellman, who pronounced him dead.

The area was searched, and a 9MM Canik pistol, along with four (4) rounds in the magazine and one 9MM round in the breach of the firearm, was found.

The Canik firearm was examined and processed for fingerprints, after which it was photographed,  packaged, and lodged for analysis.

The scene was also photographed, and all exhibits, including Britton’s motorcycle #CL 6124, were lodged at the Station.

During the entire ordeal, a 17-year-old bystander was allegedly ‘grazed’ on his right shoulder. He was escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital by ranks of the Vigilance Police Station, where he was treated and sent away.

Statements are currently being submitted as investigations continue.