Family members of Sherwin Fileen, a man who was shot dead by the police after he allegedly attacked ranks during an attempt to arrest him, staged a protest on Wednesday outside of the Sparendaam Police Station.
In hopes of having their voices heard about the circumstances of the man’s death, the relatives and friends of the deceased protested by placing his coffin on the roadway in front of the station and then attempting to enter the station.
The Guyana Police Force (GPF) in a statement said that at about 2.30 pm on Wednesday, during a funeral procession held for Fileen, his family in their demand for justice blocked the free flow of traffic with what was described as disorderly behaviour.
The report added that persons had attempted to enter the police station compound but were repelled by police officers. No one was injured during the encounter.
However, reinforcements were later dispatched to the station which prompted the protesters to place the coffin back into a hearse and leave the scene.
According to the report, ranks exercised considerable restraint in addressing the matter but noted that firm action will follow.
Meanwhile, a video seen by this newspaper showed the family members of the deceased present at the Sparendaam Police Station while Fileen’s coffin was on the road.
Some persons were seen rushing to get into the station as officers stood armed at the door.
A family member had alleged that a police officer’s badge was found in the underwear of the dead man.
Fileen’s family believes the man was murdered and maintained that he was not a wanted man.
However, according to the police he was wanted for investigations into reports of robbery, robbery with violence and wounding.
Stabroek News had previously reported that Fileen, also known as “Red Ants,” 30, formerly of Plaisance, was fatally shot at a wooden shack at the Ogle Seawall, East Coast Demerara, where he allegedly resisted arrest.
A police report had said that ranks, acting on information went to the man’s dwelling place at about 1.50 am on January 29th.
According to the report, the police decided to force open the door and attempted to apprehend Fileen, who they said was armed with a cutlass. It was further stated that the man attacked the police, causing an officer to discharge a round which struck the man in one of his eyes.
As a result, Fileen fell to the ground. He was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPH), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Family members had questioned why police did not shoot Fileen in one of his legs if he was armed and attempted to attack them. They have said they were not aware of any recent offence committed by him.
They added that his last court case was dismissed.
