Berbice teen injured after struck by police vehicle, reportedly mistaken for robbery suspect

A teenager in Berbice suffered a fractured leg after he was mistakenly identified as a robbery suspect and struck by a police vehicle.

Orandy Welcome Jr., a Fitter and Machinist from Cumberland Village, East Canje Berbice, told reporters that on Monday afternoon, July 7, he had just dropped off a friend and was turning onto Pitt Street in New Amsterdam (backdam half) when a speeding police vehicle approached and collided with him.

Welcome said he was thrown from his motorcycle. After getting back on his feet, he claimed that an officer pointed a gun at him, handcuffed him, and placed him in the police vehicle. He was later taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was treated for a fractured left leg.

He said the police told him they were searching for two people linked to a robbery.

“I feel bad because they put handcuffs on me and made me feel like I was some bandit or something,” he said.

Welcome said his motorcycle was damaged, including its brakes, engine, and other parts.

“My bike mash up, I had to get it back,” he said.

Accompanied by his father, Orandy Welcome Sr., the injured teen later went to the Central Police Station in New Amsterdam to make an official report about the incident.

Due to his injuries, Welcome Jr. is currently unable to work.

His father expressed frustration with how the police handled the situation, describing the injury and arrest as unjustified.

“He is not a murderer or a thief, and what the police did is totally wrong,” he said.

The News Room has confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been launched.