A 46-year-old miner was allegedly shot and killed on Saturday afternoon by a police constable after he attempted to rob a group of men including the rank at Stevedore Housing Scheme, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown.
Dead is Mark Anthony McLean called `Boggie’ of Lot 681 Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. He was shot several times about his body including his chest and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH).
Stabroek News was reliably informed that the incident took place around 18.15hrs.
It remains unclear whether the suspect, who has been identified as Constable “Harris” of Brickdam Police Station is in police custody.
Reports are that shortly after taking a haircut, the constable and three other men were seated under a shed engaged in a game of cards when they were approached by McLean.
McLean reportedly arrived on a bicycle after which he allegedly whipped out a firearm from his waist and pointed it at the men, demanding that they hand over their gold chains.
McLean then allegedly advanced towards the constable while pointing his gun to him. As a result, the constable drew his service pistol and discharged four rounds in the direction of McLean who fell on the ground.
The police were summoned.
When Stabroek News contacted Amanda McDonald, the dead man’s reputed wife yesterday, her account of what transpired differed.
In a telephone interview, McDonald told Stabroek News that McLean left home minutes after 5 pm on Saturday on his bicycle in order to make a purchase at a shop.
Less than an hour after, she said she received the news that he had been shot and killed. “…Like within an hour….he leave like lil after 5. Sun did now setting to go down, somebody come and call me……I say wah happen? He seh ‘yuh ain’t hear dah man get shoot and dead?’ I seh shoot and dead and he just lef hay and it left me in a state of shock,” McDonald said.
She noted that while details of what transpired remain unclear, she understands that the incident stemmed from an old grievance.
“…He left and go to the shop and somebody call he to the gambling table and it had a confrontation between the two of them (the constable and McLean) and that’s it….I hear is something about an old grievance,” McDonald said.
“Cover-up”
As of last evening, there was no official statement from the police on the incident.
When contacted yesterday afternoon, Commander (ag) of Region 4(A) Phillip Azore directed this newspaper to the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Jairam Ramlakhan. He said that all information pertaining to the incident was forwarded to Ramlakhan.
However, when Stabroek News contacted Ramlakhan, he said he was not aware of the incident and was not in receipt on any such information.
Questioned further about whether the suspect was under close arrest, Azore also directed this newspaper to Ramlakhan. “He (Ramlakhan) will be able to address all questions,” Azore said.
McDonald has voiced her dissatisfaction about the manner in which the matter is being handled. “I am very disappointed…..they kill a man just like that cold blooded. Even say if you fire a shot, you fire three after and just kill this person just like duh. This is not somebody that does trouble people….is not a person like that,” she said.
The woman said she senses some form of “cover up” by the police since the suspect is a member of the Guyana Police Force. “From Saturday to now, it ain’t deh pun the media, nothing. I deh home, I seh is what really going on….I ain’t hearing nothing….They trying to cover it up because it is an officer…they covering it up man,” McDonald declared.
She further related that since the incident, she has not been provided with any update on the investigation despite attempts. “I go Monday afternoon at the station. They told me that I have to come back when the Inspector, whoever is in charge of the station is around. I got to see him if I want to know anything else,” McDonald said.
The woman is calling for justice. “We need justice because he is not an animal,” she said.
Stabroek News was told that the pistol which McLean allegedly had in his possession was recovered next to his body. It contained three matching live rounds.
The pistol along with one 9mm spent shell which was also retrieved from the scene has been lodged at the East La Penitence Police Station
Investigators have obtained several statements as the probe continues.
