Three cops under close arrest after shootout with wanted men

Police said on Saturday that the alleged shootout between officers of the Lethem Police Station and two wanted suspects – Cortland ‘Buck’ Jones and Rickford King – is being looked into by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

The two men of Aranaputa Valley, North Rupununi, were wanted by Police for more than two years for a series of cattle larceny offences. Jones, though, was also wanted for the murder of Aeriey Matthews in October 2022.

The shooting incident occurred on November 18, 2024 around 2:30 p.m. in Pirara village, Central Rupununi. According to Police headquarters, OPR is also investigating the circumstances that led to Jones’ escape from custody at the Lethem Police Station.

Furthermore, on the day of the incident, police received information that the two suspects were riding a motorcycle on the Lethem/Kurupukari trail.

“The suspects were confronted in Pirara Village, Central Rupununi, and when attempts were made to apprehend them, they attacked the ranks with two choppers. The inspector, who led the team, was chopped in the right hand. King was shot in the lower left hip, and Jones was shot in the left thigh,” Police said.

Both men were arrested and taken to Lethem Regional Hospital and treated before being taken into Police custody. While in custody, Jones was handcuffed to a wheelchair in the Enquiries office due to his injuries and he escaped around 01:05 hrs on November 20, 2024.

Three Police officers are currently under close arrest assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, a wanted bulletin has been issued for Jones.