Quacy McPherson, the man who was shot by police on Sunday at Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was remanded to prison yesterday after being arraigned on six charges, including attempted robbery and shooting at lawmen.
It is alleged that McPherson, 34, of Lot 10 West Road, Sparendaam, ECD, on November 2, at the Plaisance Market, attempted to rob vendor Hardai Rodrigues, while he was armed with a gun. It was also alleged that McPherson discharged the loaded firearm at Police Constables Bissessar, Prince and Dawson, with the intent to main, disfigure or disable, causing grievous bodily harm. McPherson was further accused of being in possession of an unlicensed .38 revolver as well as three live rounds of .38 ammunition.
He denied being in possession of the gun and live rounds, while he was not required to plead to the remaining charges when he appeared yesterday at the Sparendaam Magistrate’s Court.
According to the prosecution, on the day in question, McPherson attempted to rob Rodrigues. Police Inspector John Singh, who presented the police’s case, stated that the police were summoned and during their attempt to arrest McPherson, he discharged rounds at them. Singh added that the police then returned fire and wounded him.
Upon searching McPherson, the prosecutor told the court, the police recovered the gun.
McPherson was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
In spite of being told that he did not have to answer the charges, McPherson proclaimed his innocence and cried out for pains.
“They shoot me two times in me head and in my foot,” he said.
Magistrate Alex Moore later denied the unrepresented man bail after the prosecution mentioned that he was convicted for a similar offence.
According to eyewitness accounts, McPherson, armed with a gun, walked up to Rodrigues’ stall at the Plaisance Market and allegedly attempted to grab her bag.
However, “she fight back and same time the police come up and just dig two (gunshots) in he…,” an eyewitness told this newspaper.
The matter will be called again on December 15, when a report is expected to be filed.
