Mark Caesar, who was wounded on Saturday when an off-duty policeman opened fire during a brawl outside the Roopa’s Bar in Kitty, was arrested yesterday right after he was discharged from the hospital much to the disbelief of relatives.
His mother, Donna Aaron, said Caesar was discharged from the Georgetown Hospital after the doctor said that he was alright. She stated that Caesar, who was shot in his back, was taken to the Alberttown Police Station, where he was later handcuffed to a post and was crying out for pain. Following his admission to the hospital, he had been placed under police guard.
Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination on the body of Hewley Nicholas Barker, the man killed during the fracas, yesterday revealed that he died of a perforated lung due to a gunshot wound. His mother said arrangements were being made for his funeral today.
Crime Chief Seelall Persaud told Stabroek News that investigations are ongoing.
He said the policeman was not arrested but has given a statement to investigators. In the meantime, he said, Caesar is in police custody but may be sent on station bail since the 72 hours permitted by law to hold him will soon expire.
Responding to claims by relatives of the men that they were left lying on the road for about half an hour before the police arrived, Persaud said he was unaware of this as he was told that shortly after the report was made, a police patrol responded.
Police had said initial investigations revealed that the policeman was in the area when he observed a group of men arguing and behaving disorderly. The policeman approached the group to warn them about their behaviour but one of the men pushed him aside and they ran away.
The force added that the man subsequently returned accompanied by Barker and Caesar and they assaulted the policeman, although he identified himself as a policeman. During the confrontation, two of the men pulled firearms and a round was discharged at the policeman who returned fire, fatally wounding Barker and injuring Caesar. The other man managed to escape.
Back in March 2005, Caesar was charged with the unlawful possession of guns and ammunition.
The items were reportedly found in a car he was in when it was stopped and searched by the police on Vlissengen Road.
His mother yesterday confirmed that Caesar was indeed charged but said the matter against him was dismissed.
Where are the guns?
Though the police said the men had guns, none have been found so far, Persaud confirmed yesterday. He said two spent shells were recovered at the scene.
Relatives of the men have denied the claim that they were armed and have called on the police to produce the weapons. Asked why the policeman was in possession of his service revolver if he was off duty, Persaud responded that some senior officers are allowed to do this.
Yesterday, owner of the bar Maylene Sahadeo said she could not recall seeing the policeman on her premises prior to the shooting and was adamant that he was not moonlighting as a bouncer. She said there was no security guard at the gate that night and stressed that if there was she would know.
She explained that initially, promoters, one of whom she is familiar with, were hosting a party at the bar but because patrons were not pouring in as expected a decision was made to have an open bar. Persons therefore were allowed to enter free of cost.
According to her, around 1.30 am, a young man went to the premises with a bottle of Grey Goose vodka and was told that he could not enter with it.
She recalled that the man who appeared to be in his early 20s became upset and started using foul language and there was a scuffle outside the gate. “I thought it was over there but he came back with two men,” the businesswoman added. She said the two men were Caesar and Barker.
Sahadeo recalled that at this point they were closing up and most of the patrons were standing on the railway line in front of the property. She added that she later heard persons arguing and then heard what sounded like squibs. When she investigated she saw someone lying on the railway line; most of the people who had been standing there earlier had dispersed. According to her, she did not go beyond the gate and the police arrived about 15 minutes later.
Upset
Sahadeo yesterday said that she was very upset that the name of her business was published in another section of the media, giving the impression that the incidents occurred there. The woman stated that nothing occurred on her premises but rather on the railway line which is public property and is in no way connected to her.
She said the irresponsible publication could tarnish the reputation of her business, which has been incident free in its 37 years of existence. Residents in the vicinity recalled hearing gunshots that morning but said they did not venture out.
Stabroek News was reliably informed that after Caesar and Barker arrived at the bar, they proceeded to slap and beat the policeman who ended up on the road. It was while he was on the ground that the policeman pulled out his weapon and began shooting, reports say.
From reports the policeman did not identify himself but was known to Caesar as he is reportedly engaged to a woman Caesar once shared a relationship with.