The Guyana Police Force yesterday denied that any of its ranks were involved in the beating of Shamar Tanner, who has alleged that he was assaulted by lawmen last Friday, resulting in his hospitalisation.
They said that the injuries were inflicted by a man who has since been identified and is being sought.
Police spokesman Jairam Ramlakhan, in a press statement yesterday, said around 8 pm on Friday, police ranks conducting a foot patrol on America Street, Georgetown observed the suspicious actions of Tanner, who upon being approached, ran in an eastern direction. “During the process of running away, a male who has since been identified and is currently being sought reportedly hurled a piece of iron at Tanner, which struck him in the face, resulting in his injuries,” Ramlakhan noted.
He emphasised that members of the force did not have any physical contact with Tanner at any point apart from escorting him to the Georgetown Public Hospital.
Divisional Commander Marlon Chapman has since launched a thorough investigation of the incident, Ramlakhan added.
However, Tanner’s relatives have said that based on what he related to them, he was not taken to the hospital by the police but by a minibus driver and conductor who are known to him.
Michelle Nieuenkerk, the teen’s aunt, had said that the family is seeking justice and is therefore calling on the relevant authorities to intervene in the matter.
Tanner, 19, a labourer attached to John Fernandes Limited and of Rasville, Georgetown sustained severe injuries to his face and lost several teeth.
Nieuenkerk had said Tanner was standing at the corner of America Street, where he was about to light “a joint” and he noticed the police approaching.
As a result, Nieuenkerk said, Tanner ran and was allegedly chased by the ranks, who severely beat him to his face with a gun while asking for the cigarette.
Tanner lost consciousness and was picked up and taken to the hospital.
He remained hospitalised up to yesterday afternoon.
Nieuenkerk told Stabroek News that the police visited Tanner yesterday in a bid to obtain a statement but his relatives refused to permit them to take it.
