Devon Porter, the taxi driver who police say attempted to dump a gun after a bid to evade them ended in an accident, is now a remanded prisoner.
Porter, 38, of Lot 504 West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in Georgetown on Friday and read charges of possession of firearm and ammunition.
It was alleged that on August 9th, 2018, at Howes street, Charlestown, Porter had a .38 revolver in his possession, without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time. The second charge against Porter stated that on the same day and at the same location, he had in his possession a .38 round, without being the holder of a firearm licence at the time.
Porter denied the charges.
According to the prosecution’s facts, on the day in question, police were on patrol duties while they observed the defendant acting suspiciously in motor vehicle PWW 149. The police began to chase the vehicle.
The accused then allegedly attempted to get away from the police and the vehicle drove into a tree stump, after which Porter was seen throwing away a firearm into the gutter. The suspected firearm was retrieved and Porter was arrested and charged.
Police Prosecutor Quinn Harris objected to the accused being granted bail on the grounds of the seriousness and prevalence of the offences and the penalties that they carry. Prosecutor Harris also told the court that Porter was previously charged for simple larceny and is known to the police.
Magistrate Judy Latchman subsequently remanded Porter to prison on the possession of firearm charge and granted him $25,000 bail on the possession of ammunition charge.
Both matters were transferred to Court 2 and adjourned until September 7th.
