Police Sergeant Alex Vaughn, who was part of a team searching for prison escapee Akeem Wong, was fatally shot yesterday in the area of Karrau, Region Seven and detectives are en route to investigate.
There was no word on the cause of the shooting.
Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum last night said, “I can confirm that the rank was fatally shot. However, investigators are en route to the sce ne to determine the circumstances.”
According to the Crime Chief, Vaughn, was one of the officers from the specialised Joint Services unit that was deployed in pursuit of prison escapee, Wong. The escapee is the prime suspect in the investigation into the double murder of Nellie Gomes,75, and her son, David Gomes, 49, both of D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, at Saxacalli, Essequibo River.
The death of Vaughn will raise more questions about how the escape of Wong was handled by the prison service and the police force. Wong, who was serving a 15-year sentence for rape, escaped from the Mazaruni prison compound on February 15. This means that he has been on the run for 26 days without the authorities being able to apprehend him. Prior to Friday’s murders, there was no public announcement in the search for Wong.
The police today issued the following release:
Constable under close arrest for Sergeant Vaughn’s death
A Police Constable is under close arrest assisting with the investigation, based on preliminary information, that he allegedly and unintentionally fatally wounded Sergeant Alex Vaughn on Tuesday March 12th, 2024.
Commissioner of Police Mr Clifton Hicken has since ordered a probe which is currently ongoing by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) and supervised by the Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority.
Further details will be provided in a subsequent release.
