3 cops under close arrest after shootout, escape of murder suspect, accomplice

Three police officers have been placed under close arrest following the shooting and escape of murder suspect Carlton Courtland Jones from the Lethem Police Station, days after his capture during a confrontation with law enforcement officers.
His accomplice Rickford King also escaped.
Jones, wanted for the 2022 murder of Aeriey Matthews and a string of cattle rustling cases, managed to flee custody on November 20, under circumstances now being investigated by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
Jones, who had been shackled to a wheelchair due to injuries sustained during his arrest, escaped from the station’s Enquiries Office around 01:05h. Jones, 28, was apprehended on November 18 alongside his alleged accomplice, Rickford King, following a police operation along the Lethem/Kurupukari trail near Pirara Village, Central Rupununi. Acting on intelligence, officers intercepted the men traveling on a motorcycle. When the suspects failed to stop, a chase ensued, ending in a crash.
The pair, armed with machetes, reportedly attacked the officers, injuring an inspector. Police allegedly discharged warning shots before subduing the suspects. Both men were treated for injuries at the Lethem Regional Hospital and later taken into custody.
While in detention, Jones managed to escape under unclear circumstances, prompting an internal investigation and a region-wide manhunt.
On Friday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) issued a wanted bulletin for Jones, labeling him as dangerous and urging the public to assist in his recapture. Jones had been evading authorities for over two years before now.
However, in a statement on Saturday, the OPR said they are now investigating whether procedural lapses or negligence contributed to the escape. The three officers under close arrest are assisting with inquiries. (G9)