A Barnwell Street, Buxton, East Coast Demerara man, who is suspected of being mentally ill, was shot on Thursday after he attacked police ranks who responding to a report that he was threatening residents in the area.
Brian Blair, 51, is currently a patient at the Georgetown Hospital, where he is being treated after he was shot in the right foot.
The shooting occurred a day after police had responded to a report by residents that Blair was pelting people’s homes.
His sister, Debbie Blair, said that on Wednesday night her brother, who has never had any mental problem, began to pelt a neighbour’s home.
He then began to curse persons in the area as he continued to pelt at other homes in the neighbourhood. She said she and other persons were surprised at his behaviour as it was a first for him.
The woman stated that after her brother began to behave in that manner, neighbours informed the police, who later arrived at the scene. Blair was then arrested and taken into custody, his sister said, but he managed to escape from custody and return home the said night.
Around 6am on Thursday morning, police said, ranks responded to a call from Blair’s sister that he was attacking her and other residents with a knife that was attached to a mop stick. As the police tried to arrest Blair, whom it described as unstable, two police officers were injured. As a result, the police were then forced to use force and shot Blair in his right foot, the release added.
Corporal 16961 Andrews was injured to his right hand and head while Constable 21153 Nicholson was hit to his right hand and shoulder. They later received treatment at the hospital for their injuries.
