Two policemen are under close arrest after a robbery suspect was fatally shot by one of the ranks while being transported to the Providence Police Station.
At the time, the now-deceased man, Peter Headley, 45, of Dowding Street, Kitty was sitting in the front passenger seat of a civilian car which was being driven by a cop. A rank was sitting in the back passenger seat.
A statement from the police force said that the Office of Professional Responsibility is investigating the fatal shooting.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the cops were acting on a tip-off into an armed robbery that was committed at Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on May 11, 2021 when they intercepted the motor car on Saturday night.
The vehicle with Headley and another passenger, who is also being treated as a suspect was intercepted at approximately 8.45 PM at Nandy Park, EBD.
During a search of the vehicle, a television set that is suspected to have been stolen during the armed robbery was found, prompting police to arrest Headley and the other passenger.
Headley was placed in the front passenger seat of the civilian vehicle which was being driven by a police rank, with an armed police rank in the back seat, while the other suspect was placed in the police vehicle with the other ranks, police said.
On their way to the Station, Headley reached under the seat of the vehicle and pulled out what appeared to be a firearm causing the armed rank to discharge a round which struck him in his body, police said.
Headley, a father of two boys was taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he succumbed while receiving medical treatment.
Ivan Tyrell, Headley’s uncle told Stabroek News that the family is still in shock over the news. While confirming that Headley was deported from the United States about five years ago, the uncle said that he was not aware of any activities his nephew was involved in.
“I am still shaken by this news like I cannot believe it. My other nephew call me and said he get shoot and dead but I don’t really know what happen. He didn’t tell me anything else but since then like meh whole body shake up,” the grieving uncle stressed.
He explained that his nephew was one who has been purchasing cooking gas for his home since his return and the last time he saw him was approximately two months ago.
Headley’s body is currently at the Lyken Funeral Home awaiting an autopsy.
