The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) is investigating an incident during which a resident of Bartica was allegedly assaulted and threatened by police officers during a traffic stop on Saturday.
The investigation was launched after a video of the incident was captured and shared on social media site, Facebook by the complainant, Chris Crighton.
According to a police press release, Crighton, a resident of Third Avenue, Bartica was stopped and asked to produce his driver licence and other documents for his motorcycle during a traffic enforcement operation.
“He (Crighton) had none of the documents requested by the police in his possession at the time and also refused to take a breathalyser test,” the police said.
As a result, Crighton was arrested and take to the Bartica Police Station.
The statement further stated that he was subsequently released and placed on self-bail.
His motorcycle was returned to him the very day and the documents requested had been brought to the station while he was in custody, the statement added.
Crighton, the police said returned to the police station yesterday where he reported that he was assaulted and verbally threatened by the police during the incident.
“Consequently, he was escorted to the Bartica Hospital to be medically examined and a statement was taken from him,” the statement noted.
In a brief video of the incident which was seen by Stabroek News, a police officer could have been heard threatening to murder Creighton, although he chose to abide with a request to go into the police vehicle.
There then appeared to be a scuffle and Crighton was heard saying “you can’t want do me duh….You can want knock me”.
Contacted yesterday, Crighton told this newspaper that he is still traumatized from the incident and is fearful for his life.
In a Facebook post, Bartica Mayor Gifford Marshall stated that he has “full confidence” that police Commander, Dion Moore will “professionally” deal with the mater.
“The video of the incident involving Chris Crighton is painful to watch. While negatively affecting our tourism agenda it also brings into question Bartica as a safe town,” the post read.
Marshall said he has known Crighton for a number of years and described him as a “well mannered” and “respected” individual in the community.
Meanwhile, in a separate post on her Facebook page, Region Seven Vice Chairman, Kamal Persaud said she hopes that a “fair” investigation will be carried out and “justifiable” action/s will be taken.
“I was informed by Mr. Dion Moore, The Police Commander of Region Cuyuni/Mazaruni District that an investigation was launched into the disturbing incident……Commander Moore stated that all parties involved gave statements and the young man had a medical report submitted,” Persaud post read.
“The people of Bartica stands resolute on the side of justice, peace, law and order and so do I,” it added.
